One-Pot Creamy Zucchini Ditalini

A comforting creamy pasta dish featuring tender zucchini ditalini pasta and a touch of Parmesan—all made in a single pot for easy cleanup.

I love making this dish when I want something hearty but simple it has become a family favorite for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

• Ditalini pasta: 250 g (9 oz)
• Zucchini: 2 medium diced
• Yellow onion: 1 small finely chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves minced
• Vegetable broth: 750 ml (3 cups)
• Heavy cream: 120 ml (1/2 cup)
• Parmesan cheese: 40 g (1/2 cup) grated plus extra for serving
• Unsalted butter: 1 tbsp
• Dried thyme: 1/2 tsp
• Salt: 1/2 tsp
• Freshly ground black pepper: 1/4 tsp
• Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped for garnish

Instructions

Step 1:

In a large pot or Dutch oven melt the butter over medium heat Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 3 minutes until translucent

Step 2:

Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant

Step 3:

Add the diced zucchini and cook for 3 4 minutes until slightly softened

Step 4:

Pour in the ditalini pasta and vegetable broth Stir in the dried thyme salt and pepper

Step 5:

Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to a simmer Cover and cook for 8 10 minutes stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed

Step 6:

Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese Cook uncovered for 2 3 minutes more until the sauce is creamy and thickened

Step 7:

Adjust seasoning if needed Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes

Step 8:

Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan

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My family always gathers around the kitchen table and enjoys this warm meal especially on cool evenings it brings comfort and smiles.

Notes

For extra protein add cooked cannellini beans or shredded rotisserie chicken (not vegetarian). A sprinkle of lemon zest before serving brightens the dish. Wine pairing options include a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Required Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven Cutting board and knife Wooden spoon Measuring cups and spoons Cheese grater

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten) milk (dairy) and Parmesan cheese (milk) If using store-bought broth or Parmesan check labels for possible allergens.

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This one-pot creamy zucchini ditalini is perfect for easy weeknight comfort food and cleanup is a breeze.

Recipe Questions

→ Can I substitute ditalini pasta with other types?

Yes, small shells or elbow macaroni can be used as alternatives, offering similar texture and cooking time.

→ How do I achieve the creamy texture without curdling the heavy cream?

Stir in the heavy cream at the end of cooking on low heat and cook gently for 2-3 minutes without boiling to maintain smoothness.

→ What herbs complement this zucchini and pasta dish?

Dried thyme is used during cooking, and fresh parsley is added as garnish to enhance freshness and aroma.

→ Can this dish be made vegan-friendly?

To make it vegan, substitute heavy cream with a plant-based alternative and replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.

→ What wine pairs well with this creamy pasta dish?

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc balances the richness of the creamy sauce nicely.