Best Easy Pasta con le Patate Recipe

Creamy Neapolitan pasta and potatoes slow-cooked until thick and velvety is pure comfort. A vegetarian mediterranean dish that's family-friendly, budget-conscious, and satisfyingly healthy.

Cook 45 min Difficulty NORMAL 350 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #budget friendly #comfort food
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Russet potatoes 2 pieces
  • Short dry pasta (such as ditalini, broken spaghetti, or small shells) 10 oz
  • Yellow onion 1 pieces
  • Carrot 1 pieces
  • Celery stalk 1 pieces
  • Canned diced tomatoes 1 cup
  • Olive oil 3 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Garlic 2 cloves
  • Fresh rosemary 1 tsp
  • Bay leaf 1 pieces
  • Salt 1.25 tsp
  • Black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • Grated parmesan cheese (optional, for serving) 0.25 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 60 g 68%
Protein 10 g 11%
Fat 7 g 21%
Serving size 340g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Dice the potatoes into small cubes (about ½-inch), finely chop the onion, carrot, and celery for even and consistent cooking.

  2. 2

    Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add onion, carrot, and celery and sauté for about 7 minutes until softened without browning.

  3. 3

    Add the garlic, rosemary, and bay leaf, stir for 1 minute until fragrant, then add the diced potatoes and canned tomatoes. Stir well to coat in the oil and aromatics.

  4. 4

    Pour in enough water to cover the vegetables by 1 inch (about 5 cups), season with salt and pepper, bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, and reduce to medium-low. Cook, partially covered, for 20 minutes until potatoes begin to break down.

  5. 5

    Stir in the pasta directly into the pot. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently and maintaining a gentle simmer, for 10–12 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the mixture is thick and creamy. Add extra hot water as needed to prevent sticking.

  6. 6

    Remove from heat, discard the bay leaf, adjust salt to taste, and let stand 5 minutes to thicken. Serve hot, topped with optional grated parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Pasta con le Patate recipe?
The core ingredient in Pasta con le Patate is the combination of russet potatoes and short dry pasta. Potatoes contribute to the creaminess and body of the dish, while the pasta provides satisfying texture and transforms the mixture into pure comfort food. The harmony of these two main ingredients defines the recognizable character and warmth of the dish.
Q. How do I achieve a creamy, velvety texture without cream?
The signature creamy consistency comes from slow-cooking the diced potatoes until they begin to break down, then simmering the pasta directly in the starchy liquid. Stirring frequently helps release natural starch, binding the base. Avoid high heat, as gentle simmering prevents sticking and ensures a silky, thick result.
Q. What should I watch for to prevent overcooked or mushy pasta?
Add the dry pasta only after potatoes are tender and simmer the mixture uncovered. Stir often and keep the heat at a gentle simmer, checking the pasta for doneness starting at 10 minutes. Adding extra hot water as needed prevents sticking, while removing the pot from heat promptly when the pasta is just al dente preserves the best texture.
Q. How many calories and how much protein are in each serving?
Each serving of this Pasta con le Patate contains 350 kcal, with 10 grams of protein, 60 grams of carbohydrates, and 7 grams of fat. The protein-to-carb caloric ratio is approximately 1:6, making it a hearty vegetarian dish that's satisfying and balanced for a Mediterranean-style meal.
Q. Is this dish suitable for a Mediterranean or vegetarian diet?
Yes, Pasta con le Patate is both vegetarian and Mediterranean. The ingredients center around plant-based foods like potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, and olive oil, and there is no meat or seafood in the recipe. It provides a wholesome, traditional comfort meal that's budget-conscious and family-friendly.
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