Ditalini Pasta Recipe
This creamy one-pan ditalini pasta is full of flavor and comes together fast—ideal for a cozy meal or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Core Ingredients:
- Ditalini Pasta (1½ cups): A small tube pasta that's perfect for soaking up creamy sauces.
- Butter (2 tbsp, unsalted): Gives the dish a rich, buttery flavor.
- Yellow Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Adds a sweet and savory base.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings a gentle, flavorful punch.
- Chicken or Veggie Broth (1½ cups): Helps create a tasty, savory base for the sauce.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): Makes the sauce smooth and creamy.
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, freshly grated): Adds a cheesy, salty finish.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Season to your taste.
- Red Pepper Flakes (¼ tsp, optional): For a slight heat, if you like a little spice.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Aromatics
- Start by heating 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add chopped onions and cook until soft and see-through (about 3–4 minutes). Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds—just until it smells fragrant (don’t let it burn).
Step 2: Lightly Toast the Pasta
- Add uncooked ditalini pasta right into the pan. Stir it with the onions and garlic for a minute or two to give it a toasted flavor.
Step 3: Add Broth and Cook
- Pour in chicken broth and stir. Let the mixture gently simmer with the lid on for about 8–10 minutes, stirring now and then. If the pasta dries out, splash in a bit more broth or water.
Step 4: Make it Creamy
- Turn the heat down low. Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring the whole time. Add grated Parmesan and stir until everything blends into a creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Step 5: Add Extras (Optional)
- Now’s the time to mix in any extras like cooked chicken, sausage, peas, or spinach. Let them heat through for 2–3 minutes.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
- Take the skillet off the heat and let it sit for a minute or two to thicken. Dish it out and top with more Parmesan or fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate):
- Calories: 430
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 390mg
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 13g