There’s something extraordinarily comforting about That Viral Ditalini Pasta Recipe. With only a quick 15 minutes in the kitchen, this dish packs a garlicky, creamy punch that will warm your soul. After several tests, I discovered the secret to achieving that perfect creamy consistency. Each time the aroma filled my kitchen, inviting friends and family to peek in, their reactions made it clear: this recipe resonates. Pair it with a fresh salad like my Cucumber Tomato Salad for a well-rounded meal.
About That Viral Ditalini Pasta Recipe
This recipe combines simple ingredients into a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. I’ve made it numerous times, adapting the recipe with different herbs or cheese, and every version delighted my taste buds. It’s a cozy dish that feels indulgent yet homemade, making it a favorite in my household.
- Quick prep, making it weeknight-friendly for anyone short on time.
- Budget-friendly ingredients keep the cost low while delivering big flavor.
- It’s a family favorite, appealing to all ages with its comforting creaminess.
- This dish highlights ditalini pasta, a small type that holds sauce beautifully and is often used in American comfort cuisine.
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
- Ditalini Pasta: The star of the dish, it cooks quickly and holds onto the sauce beautifully. Swap for macaroni if needed.
- Garlic Paste: This gives a robust flavor; fresh minced garlic works too but adjust cooking time to avoid burning.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty flavor and creaminess; feel free to use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Heavy Cream: Creates the rich sauce; light cream can be used but won’t be as indulgent.
How to Make That Viral Ditalini Pasta Recipe
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of garlic paste over medium-high heat. Sauté until fragrant and beginning to brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in 1¼ cups of ditalini pasta, making sure to coat it in the garlicky oil.
- Add in 2 cups of chicken broth (or just enough to cover the pasta) along with ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir occasionally, ensuring the pasta doesn’t stick.
- Once the broth is mostly absorbed and the pasta is al dente—around 8 minutes—mix in ½ cup of finely grated Parmesan, ¼ cup of heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons of salted butter. Stir until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- On my first attempt, I noticed that the garlic paste can burn easily if the heat is too high. Adjust accordingly to avoid a bitter flavor.
- A common mistake is adding too much broth at the start; just cover the pasta. If you need more liquid later, add it gradually.
- If you want a fresh twist, consider adding sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of color and taste.
- This recipe scales well; simply double or halve the ingredients as needed without complications.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth to revive its creamy consistency.
What to Serve With That Viral Ditalini Pasta Recipe
This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad. For extra flavor, try accompanying it with Simple Avocado Toast or my Smoky Tofu Burrito Bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, any small pasta shape will work, just adjust the cooking time.
- What if I don’t have chicken broth? Vegetable broth or water can be substituted for a lighter flavor.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian? Use vegetable broth and skip the chicken; add more veggies instead.
- Can I add protein to this dish? Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas work well here.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for later.
Final Thoughts
With its creamy texture and savory flavor, That Viral Ditalini Pasta Recipe has truly become a go-to in my kitchen. I encourage you to experiment with it—try different cheeses or add seasonal veggies. And don’t forget to share your wonderful creations!
More Recipes You’ll Love
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- Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta – connection via flavor/technique
- Chicken Alfredo Lasagna – seasonal pairing
That Viral Creamy Garlic Butter Ditalini Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 1/4 cups ditalini pasta uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth + up to 1 additional cup if needed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
- 1/4 cup heavy cream +1/4 more if desired
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- black pepper to taste
- fresh parsley minced
Instructions
Instructions
- Add olive oil and garlic paste to a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat until garlic is fragrant and beginning to brown.2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- Add in ditalini pasta and stir to coat.1 1/4 cups ditalini pasta
- Pour in chicken broth to cover pasta and add salt. Stir frequently.2 cups chicken broth, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Once broth is mostly absorbed and pasta is al dente, add Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and butter. Stir until cheese is melted.1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons salted butter
- Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.1/4 teaspoon salt, black pepper, fresh parsley
Notes
Ensure to stir frequently to avoid the pasta sticking.
Enjoy immediately for the best taste and texture.