When the day winds down and the kitchen feels like the last refuge, this one pot creamy ditalini becomes a quiet hero. It’s the kind of meal you can almost smell from down the hall: garlic and onion mingling in olive oil, a gentle bubble of cream and broth promising warmth. I remember one evening when I was halfway through a book and the pasta was almost done. The kitchen smelled so inviting that I almost forgot to stir. The sauce thickened just right, clinging to those tiny tubes of ditalini, while the sprinkle of Parmesan melted in like a little secret. It’s simple, yes, but that’s kind of the point. It’s cozy, unpretentious, and just enough to make you pause and savor the moment.
There’s something comforting about a meal that doesn’t demand too much fuss but delivers big on flavor. The herbs add a gentle earthiness, and the fresh parsley on top brings a bit of brightness that stops this dish from feeling too heavy. I usually pair it with a crisp green salad or sometimes just a hunk of crusty bread, perfect for mopping up every last drop. It’s a dinner that feels like a warm blanket, especially when you’re craving something soothing after a long day.
- Everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze — though you might wish for a second bowl to hide the spoon.
- The creamy sauce is rich without being overwhelming, striking a balance that’s easy to love.
- It’s quick enough for weeknights, but still comforting, like a mini celebration at your own table.
- Not fancy, but in a way that’s refreshing — no complicated steps or rare ingredients.
If you’re worried about leftovers, this dish actually keeps well and reheats gently with a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture. I haven’t tried freezing it, though, so I’d probably stick with just a few days in the fridge.
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One Pot Creamy Ditalini
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A quick and comforting one-pot meal featuring tender ditalini pasta cooked in a creamy, cheesy sauce with garlic and herbs. Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cups ditalini pasta
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, whole milk, and heavy cream, then stir to combine.
Add the ditalini pasta, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Kitchen Notes: No need for special equipment here — just a sturdy pot will do. I often serve this with a squeeze of lemon on the side for a little zing, though it’s excellent as is. If you want to mix it up, adding cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms can turn it into a heartier meal, but I haven’t tested all the variations myself, so results might vary. Sometimes I stir in a handful of spinach at the end for a touch of green without much effort. It’s a flexible dish, really, depending on what’s in your fridge.
FAQ: Does the pasta absorb all the liquid? It’s supposed to get tender and soak up most of the broth and cream, leaving a thick, saucy consistency. Can I use a different pasta? Ditalini works best because of its size and shape, but small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni could work. Is it suitable for vegetarians? You’d need to swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. How long does it keep? Up to three days in the refrigerator, and reheat gently to avoid breaking the sauce.
Give this one pot creamy ditalini a try next time you want something cozy without a lot of fuss. Save the recipe, stir the pot, and enjoy every creamy bite.