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That Viral Ditalini Pasta Recipe for Creamy Comfort Bliss Recipe

4.6 from 55 reviews

This Viral Ditalini Pasta recipe offers a creamy, comforting dish that’s both quick and easy to prepare. With sautéed garlic, tender ditalini pasta cooked directly in savory chicken broth, and finished with Parmesan, heavy cream, and butter, it delivers rich flavors in a single skillet. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or anytime you crave a luscious pasta treat.

Ingredients

Scale

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.)
  • 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.)
  • Black Pepper (Freshly cracked is best.)
  • Fresh Parsley (Can substitute with basil or omit.)

Instructions

  1. Heat 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 the garlic is fragrant and lightly browned.
  2. Coat Pasta: Stir in 1¼ cups of uncooked ditalini pasta, making sure each piece is well coated with the oil and garlic. Stir continuously for about 1 minute to toast the pasta slightly.
  3. Add Broth and Salt: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and add ¼ teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  4. Cook Pasta: Let the pasta cook in the simmering broth for about 8 minutes until it reaches an al dente texture, stirring occasionally to keep the pasta from clumping.
  5. Finish Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, then add ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup of heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons of salted butter. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
  6. Season and Serve: Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Garnish with minced fresh parsley and serve the pasta immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian.
  • Use avocado oil as a healthier alternative to olive oil.
  • Fresh minced garlic can replace garlic paste if preferred.
  • Swap ditalini pasta for any small pasta shape—small shells, or elbow macaroni work well.
  • For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream.
  • Use Pecorino Romano cheese for a sharper flavor.
  • Butter can be substituted with unsalted if sodium control is desired.
  • Fresh parsley can be replaced with basil or omitted altogether.
  • Serve immediately, as the creamy sauce thickens upon standing.

Keywords: Ditalini pasta recipe, creamy pasta, quick pasta dinner, one skillet pasta, garlic pasta recipe, comfort food, Italian pasta dish