Who doesn’t love pasta? This recipe was great in a pinch on a weeknight when we needed sleeting filling and a bit heavier than our usual One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta. It comes together quickly and you can add a protein or serve it by itself as a side. It’s a new go-to in our house!

Ingredients

• 1 16 oz box Ditalini pasta
• 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4 Tbsp butter
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp finely chopped shallot
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth or stock
• 1/2 cup water
• 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp parsley
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Crushed red pepper to taste
• 1 lemon
• Protein (chicken, smoked sausage, ground turkey), if desired

Directions

1. Heat olive oil, minced garlic, and shallots in a medium size pot over medium to medium-high heat until soft and fragrant.
2. Add ditalini and stir for approximately a minute, being careful not to burn the pasta. Stir in seasonings.
3. Add chicken broth and water and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow the mixture to boil until the liquid is mostly absorbed by the pasta.
4. Add heavy whipping cream and mix well. Stir in butter and the juice of one lemon.
5. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until well incorporated and melted. Stir in protein such as chicken or smoked sausage if desired.
6. Serve with fresh Parmesan and lemon zest.