Tired of endless dishes after a delicious meal? Imagine a creamy, savory pasta dish that comes together in a single pot, offering maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Our ultimate one pot ditalini pasta recipe is here to revolutionize your weeknight dinners, delivering comforting Italian-American flavors in under 30 minutes. Get ready for tender ditalini swimming in a rich tomato-cream sauce, a true family favorite!
This isn’t just any pasta recipe; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, designed for busy individuals and families who crave homemade goodness without the fuss. The beauty of this one pot ditalini pasta lies in its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor achieved by cooking everything together, allowing the pasta to absorb all the delicious nuances of the sauce.
Why This One Pot Ditalini Pasta Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a solution to your weeknight dinner dilemmas. Here’s why our one pot ditalini pasta stands out:
- Effortless Elegance: With just one pot, you’ll create a sophisticated yet comforting meal. No draining, no multiple pans – just pure, unadulterated ease.
- Speedy Satisfaction: From start to finish, this dish is ready in approximately 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings when time is of the essence.
- Flavor Fusion: The ditalini pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing every ounce of the rich tomato, garlic, and cream flavors, resulting in an incredibly cohesive and deeply satisfying dish.
Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy One Pot Ditalini Pasta
The magic of this one pot ditalini pasta begins with a few simple, high-quality ingredients. Let’s dive into what makes each component shine:
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil provides the base for sautéing, infusing the dish with a subtle fruity note.
- Aromatics (Onion & Garlic): Diced small onion and minced garlic are the flavor foundation. Don’t rush this step; properly softened onions and fragrant garlic lay the groundwork for a rich sauce.
- Crushed Tomatoes: A 14.5 oz can of crushed tomatoes provides the sweet and tangy heart of our sauce. Look for brands with minimal additives for the purest flavor.
- Vegetable Broth: We recommend vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option, but chicken broth works beautifully if preferred. It provides the liquid for the pasta to cook in, contributing savory depth.
- Ditalini Pasta: The star of the show! Ditalini, meaning
One Pot Ditalini Pasta
This easy one-pot ditalini pasta recipe is perfect for a quick and comforting weeknight meal. Featuring tender ditalini pasta cooked directly in a flavorful tomato sauce with a hint of cream, it’s a family-friendly dish that minimizes cleanup.Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Instructions- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, ditalini pasta, and dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of white wine after the garlic step and let it reduce before adding tomatoes. You can also add spinach or other quick-cooking vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking.Can I make this one-pot ditalini pasta vegetarian?
Yes, absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegetarian if you use vegetable broth. Ensure your Parmesan cheese is vegetarian if that’s a concern.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While ditalini works best for its small size and quick cooking, you can use other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, small shells, or orzo. Adjust cooking time as needed until the pasta is al dente.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover one-pot ditalini pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.