Description
This creamy ditalini pasta recipe is the perfect comfort food! Made with a rich, cheesy sauce and a touch of garlic, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The small, tube-shaped pasta absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully, making every bite delicious. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s quick to make, requiring minimal ingredients for maximum flavor!
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 2 cups ditalini pasta
- 8 cups water (for boiling)
- 1 tsp salt
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed for sauce consistency)
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- ¼ cup extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Instructions
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Boil the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ditalini pasta and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
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Sauté the Garlic – In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
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Add the Broth and Cream – Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and mix well.
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Incorporate the Cheese – Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously. This helps the cheese melt smoothly into the sauce.
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Combine with Pasta – Add the cooked ditalini to the pan, tossing it gently to coat with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
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Season and Serve – Add salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley. Mix well, then serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.
Notes
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
- To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta alternative.
- If you love spice, add red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- To enhance flavor, try using Pecorino Romano cheese instead of Parmesan.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: ditalini pasta recipe, creamy pasta, one-pot pasta, Italian pasta dish, pasta with Parmesan, easy dinner, homemade pasta recipe, comfort food