Description
This viral ditalini pasta recipe offers a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender ditalini pasta with rich Parmesan cheese and a hint of garlic. Cooked in a skillet with chicken broth for extra flavor, it delivers a luscious, creamy texture without the heaviness, perfect for a cozy meal any day.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Avocado oil is a great substitute)
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Paste (Fresh minced garlic works just as well)
- 1.25 cups Ditalini Pasta (You can swap for any small pasta shape)
- 2 cups Chicken Broth (Go for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian)
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste)
Dairy Ingredients
- 0.5 cups Parmesan Cheese (Pecorino Romano is a sharper alternative)
- 0.25 cups Heavy Cream (Lighten with half-and-half or coconut cream)
- 2 tablespoons Salted Butter (Use unsalted butter if preferred)
Seasoning & Garnish
- Black Pepper (Freshly cracked is best)
- Fresh Parsley (Can substitute with basil or omit)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of garlic paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn to maintain its delicate flavor.
- Add and Coat Pasta: Stir in 1¼ cups of uncooked ditalini pasta, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the garlic-infused oil. Continue to stir for about 1 minute to toast the pasta slightly and enhance its nutty depth.
- Add Broth and Salt: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth along with ¼ teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Let it cook uncovered for about 8 minutes until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Incorporate Dairy: Reduce the heat to low and add ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup of heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons of salted butter. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and blends smoothly, creating a rich and creamy sauce coating the pasta.
- Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed, and freshly cracked black pepper to your preference. Finish by garnishing with minced fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and color. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- For a lighter dish, use half-and-half or coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Freshly minced garlic can be used instead of garlic paste for a fresher flavor.
- Pecorino Romano can be used instead of Parmesan for a sharper taste.
- The dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture before it thickens.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Ditalini Pasta, Creamy Pasta, One Pan Pasta, Quick Pasta Recipe, Italian Comfort Food, Parmesan Pasta
