Creamy Marry‑Me Sausage Ditalini (One Pot)
Creamy Marry‑Me Sausage Ditalini (One Pot)
Ingredients (serves ~4)
• 1 lb Italian ground sausage (mild or hot)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil (if sausage is lean)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2.5–3 cups chicken broth
• 8 oz ditalini pasta
• ¾–1 cup heavy cream
• 1–1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼–½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Brown the sausage in a large deep skillet or pot over medium‑high heat, breaking it up until golden and craggly. Spoon off extra fat if there’s a lot.
2. Push sausage to one side, add onion, and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook about 1 minute.
3. Add tomato paste and cook 2–3 minutes until it deepens in color and sticks a bit to the pan.
4. Stir everything together. Pour in chicken broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add ditalini and make sure the pasta is just covered; add a splash more broth or water if needed.
5. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Lower the heat, pour in heavy cream, and stir for 2–3 minutes until glossy.
7. Add Parmesan in small handfuls, stirring until melted and creamy. Adjust thickness with a bit more broth or a few extra minutes on low heat.
8. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like.
9. Let it rest 3–5 minutes so the sauce hugs the pasta, then top with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan. #onepotrecipe #onepanrecipe #easydinner #pastarecipes #simpledinners Wilmington
I've always found one-pot meals to be a go-to for busy weeknights, and this Creamy Marry-Me Sausage Ditalini doesn't disappoint. The combination of Italian ground sausage with aromatic garlic and tomato paste creates a rich, hearty base that infuses every bite with deep flavor. Cooking the ditalini pasta directly in the chicken broth and seasonings not only saves time but allows the pasta to soak up all those delicious flavors, making the dish incredibly satisfying. What I really love about this recipe is the finishing touch of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Adding the cream on low heat helps to thicken the sauce without curdling, resulting in a glossy, velvety texture that perfectly coats the pasta and sausage. The Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful nutty sharpness that elevates the dish from simple to indulgent. For those who enjoy a little kick, the optional red pepper flakes are ideal—they add subtle heat that balances the creaminess beautifully. Also, I recommend using fresh basil or parsley for garnish; it brightens the dish and adds a lovely herbal aroma. If you're adjusting the recipe, feel free to swap mild Italian sausage for hot if you prefer spicier flavors, or use turkey sausage for a leaner option. Also, if you don't have ditalini, small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or piccolo shells work well. This recipe makes cleanup effortless since it’s all cooked in one pot, and it yields plenty of servings—perfect for sharing with family or meal prepping for the week. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this one-pot creamy sausage ditalini is an easy, comforting recipe worth trying anytime you crave a delicious Italian-inspired meal.
