Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that's as creamy as it is comforting? Look no further than these Creamy One Pot Pasta Shells with Yoghurt and Peas! This Italian-inspired recipe is not just a feast for the eyes but also a delight for your taste buds. With minimal prep time and only one pot to clean, you can whip up a delicious meal in just 30 minutes. Imagine indulging in velvety pasta shells enveloped in a luscious yogurt sauce, perfectly complemented by sweet peas and a hint of lemon zest. Your family will be begging for seconds, and you’ll be the hero of the kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta shells
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Place a large, wide skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and add olive oil, allowing it to warm slightly.
- Pour the dry pasta shells directly into the skillet, ensuring they are spread evenly across the cooking surface.
- Add vegetable broth to the skillet, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Cook the pasta for approximately 10-12 minutes, stirring periodically, until the pasta is almost tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
- Add frozen peas to the skillet and stir, allowing them to cook and heat through for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for 1-2 minutes to cool slightly.
- Gently fold in the plain yogurt and lemon zest, stirring carefully to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta and peas.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves just before serving.
- Serve immediately in warm bowls, ensuring each portion has a generous mix of pasta, peas, and creamy sauce.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for large pasta shells to hold the creamy sauce and peas better. They’ll add a delightful texture to each bite!
- Adjust the Broth: If you prefer a creamier consistency, you can reduce the amount of vegetable broth slightly. Just keep an eye on the pasta to ensure it cooks through.
- Stir Gently: When folding in the yogurt and lemon zest, be gentle to maintain the integrity of the pasta shells and peas. This will help create a beautifully creamy sauce.
- Fresh Herbs: Don’t skip the fresh basil garnish! It adds a burst of flavor and a pop of color that makes the dish even more appetizing.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to customize this dish by adding other vegetables or proteins, such as spinach or cooked chicken, for an extra nutritional boost.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. The creamy sauce will thicken as it sits, so serve it right after cooking for the best experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
