One-Pot "Ditalini" Butter Pasta

 

This One-Pot Ditalini Butter Pasta is a comforting, "set-it-and-forget-it" meal. By cooking the pasta directly in broth, the starch is preserved, creating a silky, glossy sauce that clings to every little tube without the need for heavy cream.

Ingredients

1 box (16 oz) Ditalini pasta

4 cups Chicken or vegetable broth (enough to cover the pasta)

4–6 tbsp Unsalted butter (adjust to your preference for richness)

½ cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

2 cloves Garlic, minced (optional, for depth)

Garnish: Fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes

Instructions

Sauté (Optional): In a large pot or deep skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not brown.

Add Pasta & Liquid: Pour in the dry ditalini and the broth. The liquid should just barely cover the pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent the ditalini from sticking to the bottom.

Cook to Al Dente: Cook for about 8–10 minutes (or according to package directions) until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed into a thick, starchy "slurry."

Emulsify: Turn off the heat. Add the remaining butter and the Parmesan cheese. Stir vigorously; the remaining liquid will emulsify with the butter and cheese to create a creamy sauce.

Finish: Season with plenty of black pepper and a pinch of salt if needed (the broth and cheese are often salty enough). Top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Tips for Success

Don't Drain: The "magic" of this recipe is the starchy water. If it looks too dry before the pasta is done, add a splash more broth.

The Cheese: Use a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in potato starch, which can make a one-pot sauce grainy rather than smooth.

Toasted Version: For extra flavor, toast the dry pasta in the butter for 2 minutes before adding the liquid until it smells nutty.