Description
Creamy Ditalini Pasta is a comforting plant-based pasta dish featuring tender ditalini noodles coated in a rich and velvety plant-based cheese sauce. Perfect for cozy family dinners, this easy-to-make recipe combines simple, wholesome ingredients with aromatic sautéed onions and garlic, enhanced with vegetable broth and apple cider vinegar (natural) for brightness. Garnished with fresh parsley, it delivers a satisfying and flavorful meal that can be customized with vegetables or proteins for extra variety.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or diced
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ditalini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant but not browned.
- Create the creamy base: Pour in vegetable broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar (natural), stirring to combine. Add the plant-based cheese and natural gelling agent, whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked ditalini pasta into the skillet and gently toss to coat every piece with the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Season and garnish: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Finish by mixing in freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency and enhance creaminess.
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain a pleasant bite and texture.
- Simmer the sauce gently to prevent separation and keep it silky smooth.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to retain their bright flavors and vibrant color.
- Taste and adjust seasoning last to balance salt, pepper, and acidity perfectly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Creamy pasta, ditalini, plant-based cheese, comfort food, easy pasta recipe, plant-based sauce