That Viral Creamy Garlic Butter Ditalini Pasta Recipe
This viral creamy garlic butter ditalini pasta is a quick and comforting one-pan meal that combines tender ditalini pasta with a rich garlic butter sauce, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of cream. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 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 cups 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 of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of garlic paste in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until the garlic becomes fragrant and starts to brown, which releases its rich flavor into the oil.
- Add Pasta: Stir in 1¼ cups of ditalini pasta, coating it thoroughly with the garlic-infused oil to prepare for cooking.
- Add Broth and Salt: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth (or enough to just cover the pasta) and sprinkle ¼ teaspoon salt over the mixture. Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the skillet’s bottom as it cooks.
- Cook Pasta: Continue cooking until the broth is mostly absorbed and the pasta is al dente, about 8 minutes. Make sure to stir often to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheese and Cream: Lower the heat and add ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons salted butter. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Garnish with minced fresh parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest and to prevent it from breaking.
Notes
- Use good quality garlic paste or freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
- If the sauce thickens too much before serving, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread for sopping up the delicious sauce.
- Do not overcook the pasta to maintain its al dente texture and prevent mushiness.
- Enjoy immediately as the sauce tends to break if left sitting too long.
