This 3-ingredient buttered sweet peas recipe is my streamlined take on the kind of dish that always seemed to be quietly bubbling away on my grandmother’s back burner during the holidays. It’s simple, kid-friendly, and surprisingly comforting—the peas turn tender and sweet, and the butter melts into a rich, glossy sauce that coats every bite.
Serve these buttered sweet peas warm in a vintage-style bowl or any small serving dish, with a spoon so everyone can help themselves. They pair perfectly with roast chicken, turkey, ham, or meatloaf, and they’re great alongside mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, or buttered egg noodles to soak up that glossy butter sauce.
For a lighter meal, add them to a plate of baked salmon and rice, or spoon them over toasted bread or baked potatoes for an easy, cozy lunch.
Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen sweet peas
- 1–2 tablespoons light butter (or regular butter, reduced)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
- Salt & black pepper (optional)
- Optional: garlic powder or a squeeze of lemon
🍳 Instructions
- Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the peas and stir for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes until peas are tender and liquid slightly reduces.
- Season with salt, pepper, or lemon at the end.
Variations & Tips
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, or simply use water and a slightly larger pinch of salt at the end. If you like a richer finish, stir in an extra tablespoon of butter right before serving or add a splash of heavy cream for a creamier glaze
To channel more of that old-school holiday feel, you can let the peas sit on the lowest heat setting, partially covered, for up to 20–30 minutes; just add a tablespoon or two of extra broth if they start to look dry, and stir occasionally so they stay glossy, not mushy.
For a little extra flavor without adding more ingredients, let the peas cook until the liquid reduces a bit more—this concentrates both the broth and the natural sweetness of the peas. Leftovers reheat well in a small saucepan over low heat with a teaspoon of water or broth to loosen the sauce, making them an easy side for next-day lunches.