That Viral Creamy Garlic Butter Ditalini Pasta Recipe
This creamy garlic butter ditalini pasta is a quick and comforting skillet meal ready in just 15 minutes. Tender ditalini pasta cooks directly in savory chicken broth with garlic, Parmesan, cream, and butter to create a rich, luscious sauce bursting with flavor. Garnished with fresh parsley, this simple yet indulgent dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that feels special.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1¼ cup ditalini pasta (175g, uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth (plus up to 1 additional cup if needed)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (plus ¼ cup more if desired)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (minced, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon garlic paste in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the garlic is fragrant and starts to brown, infusing the oil with its rich aroma.
- Add Pasta: Stir in 1¼ cup ditalini pasta, coating the pasta evenly with the garlic-infused oil to prepare for cooking.
- Simmer Pasta in Broth: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, or just enough to cover the pasta, and add ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir frequently to prevent sticking as the pasta cooks and absorbs the broth.
- Cook Pasta Until Al Dente: Continue cooking until most of the broth is absorbed and the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in ½ cup finely grated Parmesan, ¼ cup heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons salted butter. Mix until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy sauce.
- Season and Garnish: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle minced fresh parsley over the top before serving immediately to prevent the sauce from breaking.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic paste or freshly minced garlic for best flavor.
- If the pasta absorbs the broth too quickly, add up to 1 additional cup of chicken broth or water as needed.
- For a richer sauce, add the extra ¼ cup heavy cream.
- Serve immediately because the sauce thickens and may separate if left to sit too long.
- This recipe can easily be adapted with vegetable broth and a vegetarian cheese substitute for a vegetarian version.
