Frozen Peas Recipe
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Tender, sweet peas sautéed with onion, garlic, and olive oil, then finished with butter and fresh parsley. This simple Italian-style Frozen Peas Recipe is ready in just 20 minutes and makes a delicious side dish for any meal. Frozen peas make it extra easy, and you don’t even need to thaw them!
Serve these peas alongside your favorite main like Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin or Ham and Noodle Casserole.
Quick Look: Frozen Peas Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Dietary Info: Gluten free, can be made vegetarian
- Method: Stovetop
- Technique: Sauté onion and garlic, then simmer frozen peas in broth before finishing with butter and parsley.
- Flavor & Texture: Sweet, tender peas with savory garlic, buttery richness, and fresh parsley.
Why You’ll Love This Family Favorite!
This recipe reminds me of the simple vegetable side dishes we make often in Italy. It was inspired by my great-nonna, Peirina, whose wonderful meals my family still talks about. I never met her, but I feel connected to her through my cooking and baking journey. She inspired my nonna, Laura, my mamma, Roberta, and me, and I’m proud to share this recipe with her in my heart.
Try my Frozen Green Beans Recipe next!
Made With Amore,
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
You only need a handful of ingredients to turn frozen petite peas into a flavorful Italian-style side dish.
- Frozen Petite Peas: I recommend petite or baby sweet peas because they’re smaller, more tender, and delicately sweet compared with standard green peas. There’s no need to thaw them first.
- Onion and Garlic: Finely diced yellow onion adds sweetness, while minced garlic brings savory flavor to the dish.
- Olive Oil and Broth: Extra virgin olive oil creates the base, and Easy Homemade Chicken Broth or vegetable broth helps the peas cook while adding flavor.
- Butter and Fresh Parsley: Unsalted butter adds richness, and fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley brings a bright, fresh finish.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations & Substitutions
- Homemade Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth: Use either option, depending on your preference or if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
- Fresh Herbs: Stir in chopped fresh mint or extra parsley at the end for a fresh finish.
- Lemon and Parmesan: Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, just like in my Parmesan Roasted Broccoli and Roasted Asparagus recipes, for a bright finish. If you’re looking for a more savory finish, make sure to try my Peas and Pancetta Recipe!
How to Make Italian Frozen Peas
This recipe uses one skillet, and the peas cook straight from frozen. Follow the step-by step photos and see the recipe card at the bottom for a printable version.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add the frozen peas and broth to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender, bright green, and most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the butter and fresh parsley until the peas are lightly coated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove from the heat and serve warm. Enjoy this simple Italian side dish with your favorite main course. Buon appetito!
Frozen Petite Peas Recipe FAQs
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water until heated through.
No! Add the frozen petite peas directly to the skillet with the broth. There’s no need to thaw them first.
Mushy peas are usually the result of overcooking. Check for tenderness as they cook and remove them from the heat as soon as they’re done. Frozen peas are already blanched before freezing, so they don’t need an extensive amount of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
These frozen peas make an easy side dish for so many meals! Serve them alongside Broiled New York Strip Steak, Oven Baked Chicken Breast, or Dutch Oven Pot Roast for a comforting dinner. Add a side of Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Crispy Roasted Potatoes to round out the meal.
If you have any leftovers, add them to my Loaded Vegetarian Quiche or Italian Frittata Recipe with Peas and Ricotta for breakfast, or mix them into the vegetable filling of my Turkey Shepherd’s Pie recipe!
My Pro Tips
Recipe Tips
- Use petite peas. They are naturally sweeter and more tender than regular frozen peas.
- Don’t overcook. The peas should stay bright green and tender, not mushy or wrinkled.
- Add the garlic last. Cooking the onion first prevents the garlic from burning and becoming bitter.
- Finish with butter. A little butter adds richness and creates a silky coating with the olive oil and remaining broth.
More Recipes Featuring Peas
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Frozen Peas Recipe (Italian)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 16 ounces frozen petite peas, no need to thaw
- ½ cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Cook the peas. Add the frozen peas and broth to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender, bright green, and most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Finish with butter and herbs. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the butter and fresh parsley until the peas are lightly coated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve. Remove from the heat and serve warm. Enjoy this simple Italian side dish with your favorite main course. Buon appetito!
Notes
- Serve these peas alongside your favorite main like Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin or Ham and Noodle Casserole.
- Use petite peas. They are naturally sweeter and more tender than regular frozen peas.
- Don’t overcook. The peas should stay bright green and tender, not mushy or wrinkled.
- Add the garlic last. Cooking the onion first prevents the garlic from burning and becoming bitter.
- Finish with butter. A little butter adds richness and creates a silky coating with the olive oil and remaining broth.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Growing up my nonna and mamma made this dish all the time. It’s perfect as a side for any meal.