These recipes using peas turn a freezer staple into simple, satisfying dishes.
1/24
Hay and Straw
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, it's pretty, too. This colorful pasta dish combines julienned ham, Parmesan cheese, peas and linguine. —Priscilla Weaver, Hagerstown, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 410 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 783mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
2/24
Pea Salad with Bacon
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband absolutely loves peas. My middle son isn't the biggest fan, but he loves bacon. So I decided to combine the two, and it was perfect! This salad is an awesome side dish, especially for barbecues. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 218 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 547mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein.
3/24
Chicken Potpie Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother hand-wrote a cookbook. She included this amazing pie crust, and I added this delicious chicken potpie soup for it. —Karen LeMay, Seabrook, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups soup with 3 toppers: 614 calories, 30g fat (9g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 1706mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein.
4/24
Creamy Skillet Noodles with Peas
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve made this creamy noodle side for years. Since kids and adults go for it, I keep the ingredients on hand at all times. —Anita Groff, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 329 calories, 31g fat (8g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 757mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein.
5/24
Garbanzo-Vegetable Green Curry
From the Recipe Creator:
My son loves anything with coconut milk, so I always keep some on hand for weeknight meals like this one. For a milder version, I like to use red or yellow curry paste instead of green. —Marie Parker, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup with 2/3 cup rice: 516 calories, 24g fat (13g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 10g fiber), 15g protein.
6/24
Pea Soup Shooters
From the Recipe Creator:
Appetizers really don’t get any easier than this. These shooters can be made ahead, they’re colorful, and they won’t weigh you down. Top with a small dollop of yogurt for a little more tang. —Jacyn Siebert, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 30 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 92mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
7/24
Turkey Gnocchi Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
While trying to find a creative use for leftover turkey, we decided to add gnocchi instead of noodles. My 8-year-old daughter always asks for more. If you don't have leftover turkey, a rotisserie chicken works just as well. —Amy Babines, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups soup with 4 teaspoons cheese: 307 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 782mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
8/24
Honey-Butter Peas and Carrots
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic combination of peas and carrots is enriched with a handful of flavor enhancers. Slow cooking allows the ingredients to meld for maximum richness. —Theresa Kreyche, Tustin, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 106 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
9/24
Meatball Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up on a farm, so I took part in 4-H Club cooking activities. I still love to prepare and serve classic, wholesome recipes such as this meat and veggie pie. —Susan Keith, Fort Plain, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 735 calories, 43g fat (12g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 1094mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein.
10/24
Veggie Chopped Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband's aunt gave me this recipe back in the '80s, and it's been a staple at our house ever since. I like to make it a day ahead because some time in the fridge makes it even better. Be sure to save yourself some leftovers, too. —Madeline Etzkorn, Burien, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 308 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
11/24
Chicken Potpie Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
I always have leftover chicken broth on hand and use it for many things, including this comforting family favorite. You can bake your own biscuits as I do or buy them at the store. I like to bake extra biscuits to eat with butter and jam. —Liliane Jahnke, Cypress, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 488 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 910mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
12/24
Penne and Smoked Sausage
From the Recipe Creator:
This pasta is a must-try smoked sausage recipe. It just tastes so good when it’s hot and bubbly from the oven. The cheddar french-fried onions lend a cheesy, crunchy touch. —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 553 calories, 35g fat (14g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1425mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
13/24
Winter Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone eats for comfort during the holidays, but comfort foods aren't necessarily healthy. To make a classic comfort food dish healthier, I came up with this lovely take: butternut squash shepherd's pie with ground turkey. It's perfect for putting out on your holiday buffet table. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 314 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 654mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
14/24
Minestrone with Turkey
From the Recipe Creator:
I remember my mom making this soup; now I make it for my kids as often as I can. It's a good way to use up leftover vegetables. Sometimes I add a can of rinsed and drained kidney or garbanzo beans. —Angela Goodman, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups (calculated without cheese): 172 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 1251mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
15/24
Dill & Chive Peas
From the Recipe Creator:
Growing my own vegetables and herbs helps keep things fresh in the kitchen, but frozen peas make this side is a breeze to prepare. —Tanna Richard, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 113 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
16/24
Hearty Paella
From the Recipe Creator:
I had paella for the first time in Spain. It was so good that I've been on the quest to re-create the rich flavors ever since. We love the shrimp, chicken, veggies and olives in this easy homemade version. —Libby Walp, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 367 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 778mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 37g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
17/24
Turkey Dumpling Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Simmering up a big pot of this soup is one of my favorite holiday traditions. This is a variation on a recipe my mom made while I was growing up. My husband and children can't get enough of the tender dumplings. —Debbie Wolf, Mission Viejo, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 185 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 724mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
18/24
Shrimp Tortellini
From the Recipe Creator:
No matter how you toss 'em, shrimp and thyme play nicely with any spring-fresh vegetable. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 413 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 165mg cholesterol, 559mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
19/24
Overnight Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This layered salad is a family favorite from a church cookbook I've had for 40 years. The bacon adds a fabulous crunch. —Mary Brehm, Cape Coral, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 206 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
20/24
Hearty Vegetable Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me the idea to use V8 juice in vegetable soup because it provides more flavor. My best vegetable soup recipe is perfect to prepare on a crisp autumn afternoon. —Janice Steinmetz, Somers, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 105 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 488mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
21/24
Creole Skillet Dinner
From the Recipe Creator:
While living in Canada, I sampled this colorful dish at a neighbor's. The following Christmas, I served it instead of my traditional turkey, and I received numerous compliments on it. I frequently substitute shrimp or sausage for the chicken ... or add all three. —Bonnie Brann, Pasco, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 491 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 1131mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein.
22/24
Chicken Potpie
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best chicken potpie recipe! Chock-full of chicken, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe makes two golden pies, so you can serve one at supper and save the other for a busy night. —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 475 calories, 28g fat (14g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 768mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
23/24
The Best Shepherd’s Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best shepherd's pie recipe I've ever tasted. It's very quick to make, and I usually have most—if not all—of the ingredients already on hand. —Tirzah Sandt, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 472 calories, 23g fat (12g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 802mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein.
24/24
Pea ‘n’ Peanut Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Even people who don't like peas love this crunchy recipe, including my own children. I love the fact that it's so easy and makes a refreshing alternative to more traditional salads. A friend gave me the recipe years ago and I've been making it ever since. —Laurinda Nelson, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 579 calories, 48g fat (7g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 957mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 17g protein.
Recipes Using Peas FAQ
Can I use frozen peas in place of fresh peas?
Yes, frozen peas can easily replace fresh peas, which is helpful because fresh peas have a short season of availability in the spring and require shelling before use. Both fresh and frozen peas benefit from brief cooking to brighten their color and soften their starchy bite. Boiling, steaming and sauteing are easy ways to cook peas for simple side dishes and salads. Frozen peas can be stirred into soups or casseroles without thawing to prevent overcooking, since they soften quickly.
What are the best quick recipes to make with peas?
The best quick recipes to make with peas have short simmering or cooking times and require few pots or pans. Try fried rice, pea and mint soup or creamy pasta primavera. If you are craving a potpie but are short on time, try potpie soup, which skips the oven bake but still brings comfort. For a fast appetizer, mash peas with garlic, olive oil and lemon juice to make a dip or crostini topping. Toss hot, cooked peas with a generous pat of butter and some salt and pepper for a versatile side dish ready in under five minutes.
How do I season peas for a simple side dish?
Peas have a wonderful, slightly sweet taste that makes them easy to season for simple sides with as little as butter, herbs, citrus and some salt for balance. Add sliced shallots to a skillet of sauteed peas for an oniony bite or some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Top a creamy pea salad with chopped nuts or toasted sesame seeds for crunch and a nutty finish.
Lucy Wang
Lucy is a first-generation Asian American mom and influencer who loves creating fun, approachable recipes.
