Description

This Ultimate Creamy Tomato Ditalini features tender ditalini pasta coated in a velvety tomato-cream sauce. Layers of umami-rich tomato paste, cream cheese, and aromatic herbs create a comforting dish perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (16 oz) ditalini pasta
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
4 oz cream cheese, cubed
1 cup reserved pasta water (plus extra if needed)
1 tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook ditalini until al dente according to package directions.
Reserve at least 2 cups of pasta water before draining.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion for 5-7 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute.
Stir in tomato paste and oregano; cook 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add vegetable broth, scraping the pan, and bring to a simmer for a few minutes.
Reduce heat to low; add cream cheese and stir until fully melted. Gradually whisk in 1 cup reserved pasta water until sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Add drained pasta to the sauce; stir gently to coat. Adjust consistency with additional pasta water if needed. Stir in fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

For added protein, stir in cooked chicken sausage, shrimp, or chickpeas with the pasta.

Substitute heavy cream or Boursin cheese for an even richer sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1¼ cup
Calories: 480
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 62 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 14 g
Cholesterol: 35 mg

Keywords: ditalini pasta, creamy tomato pasta, quick pasta recipe, one-pot pasta, weeknight dinner, comfort food