Stovetop Buttered Shells with Peas and Parmesan
Simple and quick buttered pasta shells tossed with sweet peas and sharp Parmesan, perfect for a fuss-free kid-friendly meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes pairs medium pasta shells, unsalted butter, frozen peas, thawed for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 10 oz medium pasta shells
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 10 oz medium pasta shells and cook for 9 minutes until tender but not mushy, then drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Return the drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Add 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 cup thawed frozen peas, stirring gently.
- Step 3: Toss the pasta and peas with 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce until it lightly coats the shells.
- Step 4: Cook for 2 more minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts and the cheese is creamy and melted. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stovetop Buttered Shells with Peas and Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Stovetop Buttered Shells with Peas and Parmesan?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium pasta shells from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stovetop Buttered Shells with Peas and Parmesan?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Stovetop Buttered Shells with Peas and Parmesan for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Stovetop Buttered Shells with Peas and Parmesan?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
