That Viral Creamy Garlic Butter Ditalini Pasta Recipe
This viral creamy garlic butter ditalini pasta is a quick and comforting one-pan dish featuring al dente ditalini pasta cooked in flavorful chicken broth with garlic, Parmesan, creamy butter, and fresh parsley for a rich and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Main 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 cup more if desired)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (minced, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat Garlic in Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of garlic paste. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and starts to brown, about 1-2 minutes, infusing the oil with flavor.
- Add Pasta: Stir in 1¼ cup of uncooked ditalini pasta, coating the pasta pieces evenly with the garlic-infused oil to help it cook evenly and prevent sticking.
- Pour Chicken Broth and Season: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth or just enough to barely cover the pasta. Add ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan and ensure even cooking.
- Cook Pasta Until Almost Absorbed: Continue cooking the pasta in the broth, stirring often, until most of the liquid has been absorbed but the pasta remains al dente, approximately 8 minutes.
- Add Cream, Cheese, and Butter: Once the pasta is cooked, add ½ cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup of heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons of salted butter. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and a creamy sauce forms coating the pasta.
- Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as desired. Garnish with minced fresh parsley before serving to add a fresh herbal note.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the creamy garlic butter ditalini pasta right away to enjoy the sauce at its richest and prevent it from breaking.
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, add the additional ¼ cup heavy cream as desired when melting the cheese and butter.
- Make sure to stir frequently while cooking the pasta in broth to avoid sticking and burning on the skillet bottom.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor results.
- This dish is best served immediately as the sauce can separate if left to sit for too long.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian alternative, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
