A creamy kid meal with both protein and a helping of veggies. Easy to make and loved by all, this creamy mac pasta and peas is comforting, flavor packed and so simple to throw together.
Every mom needs a quick meal that she knows her kids will eat. And maybe even her husband. No fights, no tears, no whining. This creamy pasta and peas is one of those meals for me.
I like to make batches of my Creamy Vegan Alfredo Sauce or the sauce from my Scalloped Cauliflower to keep in the freezer for moments like this. It freezes really well and all it needs to get the creamy texture back is a little heat and quick stir, you can even add some veggie broth to thin it out.
It bounces right back! This is a huge hit with my boys, one of those rare moments of silence as they each stuff their face. Pasta and peas filling their little mouths so no sound can escape. So sharing it with all of you is a no brainer.
It's easy to make, has a serving of veggies and is filled with protein from the nut based sauce. An all around healthy meal! I hope it brings happiness to your house as it does to ours!
Other Things To Add To This Creamy Pasta and Peas;
- Use this pasta to use up leftover veggies such as fennel, zucchini, bell peppers
- Add some baby spinach in at the end of extra green goodness
- Sprinkle with a nut and breadcrumb topping and bake for a few minutes for extra crunch
Other Yummy Meals For Kids You Might Like;
- Creamy Vegan Mushroom Risotto
- Veggie Rice Buddha Bowl with Lemon Herb Sauce
- High Protein Low Fat Taco Meat
- Vegan Roasted Veggie Tacos
Creamy Mac and Peas
Ingredients
- 12 ounces your favorite pasta , gluten free if needed
- 1 cup vegan Alfredo sauce , or make it even easier with your favorite cheese or a mix of both
- 1-2 cups frozen peas , adjust for your preference
Optional additions:
- vegan Parmesan cheese
- extra protein of choice
- extra veggies of choice
Instructions
- Cook pasta following directions on package.
- Add frozen peas to the bottom of a pasta strainer.
- When pasta is done, pour the hot pasta water and paste over the frozen peas in the strainer (reserve a little pasta water to thin out if necessary).
- Put the pasta and peas back in the pot.
- Add 1 cup Alfredo sauce (or cheese or both) to pot and mix well.
- Add a drizzle of pasta water to thin out if needed.
- Add Parmesan, if using, and any other add ins and serve!
Notes
- The cream sauces make more than you need, however you can add more or less sauce depending on how your kids(or you) like it.
- Feel free to add more peas if desired.
- Recipe uses creamy risotto sauce for nutrition calculation
- Keep leftover sauce in the freezer for next time you need a quick meal!
Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.
Nutrition
Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.
Hedi
I am yet to make your Alfredo sauce Sophia! On my list of recipes to try 🙂
veggiesdontbite
Oh let me know when you do!! It's so quick and easy. We love it!
Christie
What a family friendly recipe.
veggiesdontbite
Thanks!
Ange @ Little Kitchen Blue
Forget the kids, I'll have the whole bowl! That looks so comforting!
veggiesdontbite
Ha! Thanks Ange! I agree!
Tania @ The Cook's Pyjamas
I'm so with you on the importance of having a few quick meals up your sleeve. I always have a bag of frozen peas on hand for just such occasions. Love the ease of this dish.
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Tania! With kids, quick healthy meals is a must!!
Brian Jones
I love using peas with pasta, there is just something so pleasing about the burst of sweetness particularly in a cheesy sauce.
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Brian! Totally agree. Especially with the bit of tang in the sauce. SO yum!
Uma Srinivas
My kids big fan of mac and cheese. This dish will give another choice for them! looks so creamy!
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Uma! It's definitely creamy!
dixya @food, pleasure, and health
this looks soon creamy like want it straight up from the screen.
veggiesdontbite
Thank you! My kids love creamy!
Kelly @ TastingPage
I never thought to freeze a creamy sauce, but so happy to hear that it works out. And this is the perfect recipe to make it happen. Love it!
veggiesdontbite
Oh yeah, I always have some on hand! It makes those busy days much easier.
Becky Striepe
Oh my gosh, this looks great! I make mac and peas when Darrol's buddy comes over for supper. I'll feed them your recipe this week!
veggiesdontbite
Awe thanks Becky! Let me know how it goes. It's never a wrong move over here!
Aimee / Wallflower Kitchen
Yummmmm! that looks so tempting 🙂
veggiesdontbite
Thank you!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Um yes!? Is there anything better then a creamy bowl of mac? I think not!
veggiesdontbite
Nope! In this house it's a winner!
Kallie Tsoukas Tettenburn
Just made this with the Annie's Organic Shells, but also added the cheese into the sauce while stirring it in the pan. Evia even approved, which is a tough task! I like that it makes it more protein rich and filling for them.
veggiesdontbite
Whatever works!!! Glad she actually ate something!
valamarama27
I don't have a picky eater (yet), but this pregnant mama needs to eat this dish now!
veggiesdontbite
Lol!! Thank you! I love it too. My oldest never became picky so yours may not either. But my youngest is exercising his right to be two through food control so you never know!
quiltykanuck
See, shells and peas are my daughter's fave! But we always buy the Annie,s organic. Definitely will try this vegan version!
veggiesdontbite
My kids too! Annie's was our go to quick meal before I came up with this vegan version. The boys devour it. It's one of the few quiet moments I get. Ha!
quiltykanuck
LOL! well, my daughter LOVES cashews an walnuts, so I can't imagine she wouldn't love this!
veggiesdontbite
Let me know if you try it! The nice thing is that you can season for your own taste. My boys prefer it lightly seasoned and neutral but still like a dash of garlic. Happy cooking!
quiltykanuck
We have garlic allergies, so I would probably try something else like fresh herbs, but I'll let you know for sure!
veggiesdontbite
Sounds great! It's great with or without. Nice and simple with just salt and pepper 🙂
Aruna Panangipally
Looks so creamy and delicious!
veggiesdontbite
Thank you! And so easy to make especially if you've already made the Cashew Walnut sauce!
Ricardo
Cashew Walnut sauce?
I'm in !!!!!!
veggiesdontbite
The creamy sauces are made of cashews, and there are a few options to choose from 🙂