These easy Creamed Peas are a super easy holiday side dish made from scratch! Easy to make ahead and keep warm in a slow cooker or crockpot.
Want more easy and delicious side dishes? Then, you’ll love these Green Beans with Bacon, Roasted Vegetables, and No Cream Slow Cooker Creamed Corn!
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Quick Creamed Peas are creamy, comforting, and ready in just 15 minutes. They’re the perfect cozy side dish for your next holiday meal or weeknight dinner!
Tender peas are smothered in a rich, creamy white sauce for a side dish that’s simple yet irresistible. Even picky eaters will gobble this delicious recipe right up!
All you have to do is sauté the aromatics, make the roux, toss in the peas, and finish with parmesan cheese!
Why we love this Creamed Peas recipe:
- Versatile: you can adjust the sauce-to-veggie ratio, swap ingredients, or even make it gluten-free with simple substitutions!
- Make-ahead friendly: planning for a holiday potluck? Prep ahead and toss everything into a slow cooker for effortless serving!
- Simple recipe: you only need a few basic ingredients to make this delicious side dish, most of which you probably already have in your pantry.
Ingredients for Creamed Peas:
- Aromatics: finely chopped onion and minced garlic provide the main flavor base for these peas. You can also use garlic and onion powder instead if you don’t feel like chopping!
- Roux: a roux is made with fat and flour and acts as a thickening agent. I made my own roux using all-purpose flour and butter.
- Chicken broth: this thins out the roux and adds more flavor. I recommend using low-sodium chicken broth so you can control the salt content!
- Half and half: adds a creamy texture to the peas. You can also substitute with whole milk or heavy cream if you like!
- Frozen peas: any kind of frozen peas will work! You can also use canned peas or fresh peas instead. If you choose canned peas, I recommend adding them at the very end after adding the parmesan cheese to prevent them from getting mushy.
- Parmesan cheese: adds a rich, savory flavor to the peas. You can also use asiago, Romano, or pecorino cheese for a slightly different flavor!
How to make this easy Creamed Peas recipe:
Making this recipe is easy peasy! For the full list of recipe instructions, scroll down to the recipe card.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened, then add garlic, salt, and pepper; cook briefly.
- Stir in flour until combined.
- Whisk in broth and half and half to make a smooth sauce. Add peas, stir to coat, and cook until heated through.
- Mix in Parmesan, adjust seasonings, and serve.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add some fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, Italian seasoning, or anything else to provide a fresh flavor to these peas!
- Toss in some chopped bacon pieces for a smoky depth of flavor.
- Can’t have gluten? Make a cornstarch slurry instead by adding one teaspoon of cornstarch to the broth before adding it to the pan.
- You can fill out this recipe by adding some pearl onions (boiled for a few minutes beforehand) or small new potatoes (make sure they’re cooked).
- Not a fan of peas? Use any other type of frozen vegetable or cooked vegetable you like, such as broccoli, carrots, or corn!
Reader Rating
“Oh my goodness. These look and sound delish! These are one of my hubbies favs so I can’t wait to try your recipe!” Kathleen
How to store leftover peas:
Store leftover Creamed Peas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals or in a small saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
Can I freeze leftover peas?
Yes, with one swap!
If you plan on freezing the peas, I suggest using heavy cream or half-and-half instead of milk, as milk tends to separate when frozen. Add the peas to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Let the peas thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this comforting side dish alongside a juicy Thanksgiving turkey or for Sunday supper with Crockpot Meatloaf or Baked Pork Chops!
More creamy side dishes you’ll love:
- 3 Ingredient Boursin Pasta — just as easy as these peas!
- Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes — you have to love a hands-off side dish.
- Garlic Parmesan Orzo recipe — a reader favorite!
Quick Creamed Peas recipe
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup half and half
- 3-4 cups frozen peas (3 cups is more saucy, 4 cups is less saucy)
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the onion and cook, stirring, until translucent and softened. Stir in the garlic, salt, and pepper and cook 1 minute.
- Stir in the flour until no white remains, then whisk in the broth and half and half until smooth.
- Add the peas and stir until coated. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until heated through (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in Parmesan and taste. Adjust seasonings as desired and serve.
Notes
- Make it gluten-free: you can omit the flour by whisking 1 teaspoon of corn starch into the broth before adding to the pan.
- Half and half: you can use whole milk or heavy cream here, just keep in mind that more fat will yield a richer flavor, and less fat will yield a less rich flavor.
- Peas: you can absolutely use another vegetable here! Just choose frozen vegetables, or make sure they are already cooked and then simply stir into the sauce to reheat.
Nutrition Information
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Babette Osel says
You speak my love language❤️ The addition of cheese and aromatics intrigue me. I’m looking forward to making this recipe.
Ashley Fehr says
I hope you enjoy it!
Kenneth @ Best Food Processor Guide says
Wow! Looking delicious! I must try this for my 4-year old Emma because she has no interest on vegetables. Hopefully it will be good! 🙂
Denise @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
I’ve never tried creamed peas before, but I might just have to, especially since my little guy refuses to eat any vegetables! I’ve resorted to hiding them in his muffins, ha ha! Looks delicious!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
Vegetables are always better when they are creamy! But I love that you didn’t need to use cream. 🙂
Zainab says
I love that you did not use cream for this!! Looks so comforting and amazing!
Kathleen says
Oh my goodness. These look and sound delish! These are one of my hubbies favs so I can’t wait to try your recipe!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Kathleen! I hope he likes them!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
These look so creamy and delicious! I love that you used healthier substitutes 😉
Jess @ Sweetest Menu says
Oh I’ve never had creamed peas before! How intriguing. Popping over now to check out the recipe! Only you could make peas looks ridiculous appetizing!