The Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Sweet Pea Orecchiette is one of those go-to dishes that hits all the right notes—comforting, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavor. With just a few simple ingredients like potatoes, peas, and pecorino, it turns into a bowl of cozy goodness. I made it on a busy weeknight and was amazed at how something so simple could taste this satisfying. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)
Ingredients Needed
- 600g potatoes
- 1 bunch spring onions
- 320g frozen peas
- 300g dried orecchiette pasta
- 80g pecorino cheese, plus extra to serve
How To Make Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Sweet Pea Orecchiette
- Cook the Potatoes and Spring Onions: Peel your potatoes and dice them into small 1cm cubes for even cooking. Trim and slice the spring onions. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick pan over high heat. Toss in the potatoes and spring onions, along with 250ml of boiling water. Reduce the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the Peas: For the last 5 minutes of the potato cooking time, stir in the frozen peas. They cook quickly and will stay bright green and sweet if added at the end.
- Boil the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your orecchiette and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a mug of the starchy cooking water before draining.
- Mix Everything Together: Add the drained orecchiette to the pan with the vegetables. Finely grate in the pecorino and toss everything together until the cheese melts and starts to coat the pasta. Use splashes of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and make it silky.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve with an extra grating of pecorino and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, if you like. It’s that easy!

Why I Love This Recipe
This dish has quickly become one of my favorites for a no-fuss dinner. It’s creamy without needing cream, and the mix of peas and spring onions adds just the right amount of freshness. The pecorino melts beautifully into the hot pasta, creating a simple sauce that feels way more indulgent than it really is. Perfect for busy nights when you want real comfort in a bowl.
Recipe Tips
- Dice the potatoes evenly: This ensures they cook at the same time and mix smoothly into the dish.
- Use the whole spring onion: Both the white and green parts add lovely layers of flavor.
- Don’t overcook the peas: Add them at the end to keep their bright color and texture.
- Save that pasta water: It’s perfect for turning the cheese into a creamy, silky sauce.
- Use a non-stick pan: This makes cleanup easier and keeps your potatoes from sticking.
How To Store This Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Sweet Pea Orecchiette
- At Room Temperature: Let cool for no more than 1–2 hours, then refrigerate promptly.
- In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. It reheats beautifully!
- In the Freezer: Not recommended—potatoes and pasta can lose texture when frozen.
- Reheating: Add a splash of water to a pan and gently reheat over medium heat, stirring often, until warmed through.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just blanch them first and use as you would the frozen ones. - What’s a good substitute for pecorino?
Parmesan or Grana Padano work well—they give a similar salty richness. - Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Penne, fusilli, or small shells would all work just fine. - Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes—just double-check that your pecorino is vegetarian-friendly. - Can I add more greens?
Totally. Try spinach, kale, or chopped courgette for an extra veggie boost.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 577 kcal
- Fat: 15.9g
- Saturated Fat: 5.7g
- Protein: 21.9g
- Carbohydrates: 92.4g
- Sugars: 5g
- Salt: 0.9g
- Fibre: 6.6g
Try More Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Recipes:
- Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Roasted Squash Lasagne
- Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Chestnut Carbonara
- Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Greek Cypriot Pasta
- Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Mozzarella Salad
Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Sweet Pea Orecchiette
Course: 5 Ingredients Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalA creamy, comforting pasta made with potatoes, peas, and pecorino. Quick, hearty, and perfect for weeknights—this dish brings fresh flavors and a touch of indulgence with just five ingredients.
Ingredients
600g potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 bunch spring onions, sliced
320g frozen peas
300g dried orecchiette pasta
80g pecorino cheese, grated
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a pan. Add potatoes, spring onions, and boiling water. Simmer 15 mins.
- Add peas for final 5 mins.
- Cook pasta in salted water. Reserve some water, then drain.
- Combine pasta with vegetables. Stir in grated pecorino.
- Loosen with pasta water. Season and serve with extra cheese.