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one-pan ditalini and peas – smitten kitchen

One-Pan Ditalini and Peas

A cozy one-pan pasta dish featuring ditalini and peas, cooked with garlic, optional salami, and finished with cream and parmesan for a simple yet complex flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound uncooked ditalini pasta Can substitute with other short pasta types.
  • 4 cups vegetable broth Use salted or low-sodium broth.
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups frozen peas No need to defrost.
For the Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil Can substitute with butter.
  • 2 ounces thinly-sliced salami Optional, can use any type of salami.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
  • 1/2 lemon finely-grated zest of half
  • Chopped fresh parsley, mint, or basil For garnishing.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat a pan over medium-high and add the olive oil, heating it too.
  2. Add salami to olive oil and heat, stirring, until it begins to crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pan and drain on a paper towel.
  3. Add minced garlic and a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to the oil left in the pan and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Cooking
  1. Add the ditalini pasta, vegetable broth, and water to the pan and bring to a simmer.
  2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente, about 2 minutes shy of done.
  3. Add frozen peas and cook for one additional minute.
  4. Add heavy cream and cook for 1 final minute.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
Finishing Touches
  1. Finish with lemon zest, half of the parmesan, all of the crisped salami (if using), and chopped herbs.
  2. Cut zested lemon half into wedges and serve on the side for squeezing over, along with additional parmesan.
  3. Eat right away.

Notes

This dish is cozy and quick with minimal cleanup, perfect for both lunch and dinner. The salami is optional and can be omitted for a vegetarian version.