Creamy Oven-Baked Pea Shell Pasta – The Easiest One-Dish Comfort Dinner
This creamy oven-baked pea pasta is the kind of effortless recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Everything cooks together in one ceramic dish—no boiling, no extra pans—just simple ingredients transforming into a cozy, satisfying meal. The sweet green peas stay vibrant, the pasta turns perfectly tender, and the sauce becomes rich and creamy with a lightly golden top. It’s simple, comforting, and surprisingly elegant for such minimal effort.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
2 cups dry shell pasta
1 ½ cups frozen green peas (no need to thaw)
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a ceramic baking dish, spread the dry shell pasta evenly.
Scatter the frozen peas over the pasta.
Add the minced garlic, seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Pour in the broth and heavy cream, making sure the pasta is mostly covered.
Drizzle with olive oil or dot with butter.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil, stir gently, then sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Return to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the top is lightly golden.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
Tips & Variations:
Add lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness.
Stir in fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving.
For extra richness, mix in a spoonful of cream cheese before baking.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve straight from the baking dish with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon and olive oil. Crusty bread or garlic toast is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. For a complete meal, pair it with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or sliced chicken sausage.
Simple, creamy, and full of fresh flavor—this one-pan pasta proves that delicious comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
