Italian Rice and Peas

Transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy with this comforting Italian Rice and Peas recipe, a timeless blend of creamy Arborio rice, sweet peas, and savory Parmesan cheese. Perfectly cooked in a rich broth, this dish showcases classic Italian cooking techniques like the gradual ladling method, resulting in a velvety, risotto-like texture. Aromatic sautéed onions and a touch of butter infuse each bite with richness, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of vibrant flavor. Ready in just 35 minutes and made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it’s an elegant yet easy option for a light main course or a complementary side dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal, this Italian comfort food will quickly become a favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1 cup Fresh or frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter
• 1 small (finely chopped) Onion
• 4 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
• 0.5 cup (grated) Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons (chopped, optional) Parsley

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, warm the chicken or vegetable broth over low heat. Keep it warm but not boiling.

Step 2

In a large, deep skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly and absorb some of the oil and butter.

Step 5

Ladle 1/2 cup of the warm broth into the rice mixture and stir continuously until most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 6

Continue adding the broth, 1/2 cup at a time, while stirring frequently. Allow each addition to be absorbed before adding more. This process should take about 18-20 minutes.

Step 7

When the rice is almost tender and creamy, stir in the peas and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the peas are tender and bright green.

Step 8

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness, if desired.

Step 10

Serve hot as a light main dish or as a side to your favorite Italian entrée.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1522.3 grams (1522.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1044

Total Fat 57.80g	74%
Saturated Fat 21.00g	105%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 76mg	25%
Sodium 4961mg	216%
Total Carbohydrate 96.20g	35%
Dietary Fiber 11.20g	40%
Total Sugars 15.90g
Protein 36.80g	74%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 584mg	45%
Iron 4mg	22%
Potassium 829mg	18%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.4%

Protein: 14.0%

Carbs: 36.6%