In a medium saucepan, combine the frozen sweet peas and chicken broth. The liquid should just barely come up around the peas; it’s okay if some are peeking above the surface.
Set the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally, breaking up any frozen clumps as the peas thaw.
Peas thawing in broth with a spoon stirring gently
Once the liquid is simmering, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let the peas cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring once or twice, until they are tender and bright green.
Remove the lid and continue to simmer on low for another 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has reduced and thickened slightly but the peas are still moist.
Add the butter to the saucepan. Stir slowly and continuously over low heat until the butter is fully melted and forms a glossy, silky sauce that coats the peas. Taste and, if desired, add a small pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness.
Butter melting into glossy green peas in a saucepan
Butter melting into glossy green peas in a saucepan
Turn off the heat and let the peas sit on the warm burner for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to cling. Give them one last gentle stir, then transfer to a serving bowl and serve warm.
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.
Serving bowl of buttered sweet peas ready for dinner
Serving bowl of buttered sweet peas ready for dinner
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.
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