That Viral Creamy Garlic Butter Ditalini Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy garlic butter ditalini pasta is a simple yet irresistible dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With its rich sauce and tender pasta, it’s no wonder this recipe has gone viral. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a comforting meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 1¼ cup 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 more if desired)
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (minced)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon garlic paste in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and just starting to brown.
2. Step 2: Add 1¼ cup uncooked ditalini pasta to the skillet and stir well to coat the pasta in the garlic oil.
3. Step 3: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth (or enough to just cover the pasta) and add ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir frequently to keep the pasta from sticking to the pan.
4. Step 4: Cook until most of the broth is absorbed and the pasta is al dente, about 8 minutes. If needed, add up to an additional 1 cup of broth during cooking.
5. Step 5: Stir in ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons salted butter. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
6. Step 6: Season with extra salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with minced fresh parsley and serve immediately to keep the sauce smooth.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian option, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
• Add cooked mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and taste.
• If you prefer a richer sauce, add an extra ¼ cup heavy cream during the final step.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving on high to prevent the sauce from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells work well and will cook similarly in this recipe.

What if I don’t have garlic paste?

You can use 2–3 minced garlic cloves instead. Sauté them in olive oil until fragrant before adding the pasta.

That Viral Creamy Garlic Butter Ditalini Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 139 reviews

A creamy and comforting garlic butter ditalini pasta made with simple ingredients like garlic, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. This easy skillet dish cooks the pasta directly in flavorful broth for a rich, velvety sauce that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Pasta
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pasta

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 1¼ cup ditalini pasta (175g, uncooked)
• 2 cups chicken broth (+ up to 1 additional cup if needed)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)

For the Sauce

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
• ¼ cup heavy cream (+¼ cup more if desired)
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (minced, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Sauté Garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of garlic paste in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the garlic becomes fragrant and starts to brown, releasing its rich aroma.
2. Add Pasta: Add 1¼ cup of ditalini pasta to the skillet and stir well to coat all the pieces evenly with the garlic-infused olive oil.
3. Add Broth and Salt: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, or just enough to cover the pasta, then sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and help the pasta cook evenly in the flavorful liquid.
4. Cook Pasta: Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the broth is absorbed but the pasta is still al dente, approximately 8 minutes.
5. Finish Sauce: Stir in ½ cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons of salted butter. Mix continually until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
6. Season and Garnish: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Sprinkle minced fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
7. Serve: Enjoy immediately to prevent the creamy sauce from breaking and to experience the best texture.

Notes

• Use fresh garlic paste or finely minced fresh garlic for the best flavor.
• If the pasta absorbs broth too quickly and is not fully cooked, add additional chicken broth, up to 1 cup.
• For a richer sauce, add an extra ¼ cup of heavy cream.
• Serve immediately as the sauce can separate if left to sit too long.
• Can be adapted to vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth.
• Fresh parsley adds a bright herbaceous note but can be omitted if unavailable.

Keywords: creamy garlic pasta, ditalini pasta recipe, garlic butter pasta, easy creamy pasta, one-pan pasta, quick pasta recipe