### One-Pan Ditalini and Peas: A Homely Culinary Treat
One-pan pasta dishes have surged in fame due to their convenience, enabling home chefs to whip up tasty meals with little effort in cleanup. Among these, the One-Pan Ditalini and Peas is notable for its blend of simplicity and deliciousness, making it a preferred option for swift lunches or dinners.
#### The Key to Impeccable One-Pan Pasta
The secret to obtaining a delightful texture in one-pan pasta recipes lies in the cooking technique. While conventional pasta preparation includes boiling in water, this recipe smartly employs a mix of water and broth, guaranteeing that the pasta keeps its al dente texture. The process starts with sautéing garlic in olive oil or butter, which creates the flavor foundation. If preferred, crispy salami can be included for a savory enhancement, enriching the dish’s depth.
Once the garlic emits its aroma, the uncooked ditalini pasta is added along with vegetable broth and water. This combination simmers, allowing the pasta to soak up flavors as it cooks. A few minutes before the pasta reaches the optimal state, frozen peas are introduced, adding a hint of sweetness. Ultimately, a dash of heavy cream is mixed in, resulting in a creamy sauce that unites the components.
#### Ingredients
– **4 tablespoons olive oil** (or a blend of olive oil and butter)
– **2 ounces thinly-sliced salami** (optional)
– **4 cloves garlic, minced**
– **Red pepper flakes** (to taste)
– **1 pound uncooked ditalini pasta**
– **4 cups vegetable broth**
– **2 cups water**
– **2 cups frozen peas**
– **1/2 cup heavy cream**
– **Zest of half a lemon**
– **1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan**
– **Chopped fresh herbs** (parsley, mint, or basil)
#### Cooking Instructions
1. Warm a large pan over medium-high heat and pour in olive oil. If salami is being used, add it to the oil and cook until it’s crispy. Remove and set it aside.
2. In the leftover oil, sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes for around 30 seconds.
3. Introduce the ditalini pasta, vegetable broth, and water into the pan. Let it simmer and cook, stirring now and then, until the pasta is al dente (approximately 2 minutes short of the package directions).
4. Mix in the frozen peas and continue cooking for another minute.
5. Incorporate the heavy cream and let it cook for one additional minute. Taste and fine-tune seasoning as necessary.
6. Finish with lemon zest, half of the parmesan, the crispy salami (if included), and fresh herbs. Serve at once with lemon wedges and extra parmesan on the side.
#### Conclusion
One-Pan Ditalini and Peas is more than just a meal; it’s a journey that merges simplicity with gourmet tastes. The dish is ideal for hectic weeknights or relaxed weekends, providing a cozy bowl of pasta that feels both luxurious and nourishing. With its minimal cleanup and delightful flavor, it’s a recipe that’s worth preparing time and again.