Description
A creamy and flavorful ditalini pasta dish that is easy to make and satisfying.
Ingredients
- Olive Oil – Provides fat for cooking and adds flavor; avocado oil is a great substitute.
- Garlic Paste – Adds intense garlic flavor; fresh minced garlic works just as well.
- Ditalini Pasta (1¼ cup, uncooked) – The star of the dish that gives structure; you can swap it for any small pasta shape like mini bow ties or pastina.
- Chicken Broth (2 cups + up to 1 additional cup if needed) – Infuses flavor into the pasta; go for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian!
- Salt (¼ teaspoon + to taste) – Enhances all flavors; adjust according to your preference.
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, finely grated) – Adds the creamy and umami profile; Pecorino Romano makes a sharper alternative.
- Heavy Cream (¼ cup + additional if desired) – Stars in the creamy texture; lighten it with half-and-half or coconut cream.
- Salted Butter (2 tablespoons) – Adds richness; use unsalted butter if you prefer and adjust salt accordingly.
- Black Pepper – Offers a touch of heat; freshly cracked pepper is the best for flavor.
- Fresh Parsley (minced) – A refreshing garnish that contrasts the creamy sauce; basil can also be a great alternative or omit if desired.
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add garlic paste and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in ditalini pasta and coat with oil.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked, about 8-10 minutes.
- If needed, add more broth for desired consistency.
- In a separate pan, melt butter and stir in heavy cream.
- Add parmesan cheese and black pepper, stirring until combined.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the cooked pasta and mix well.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese to your liking.
- This dish can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Ditalini Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Italian Recipe, Quick Dinner