Description
This ditalini pasta recipe easy beginner viral is a creamy one-pot comfort dinner made with tiny pasta, garlic, broth, butter, cream, and Parmesan. It is beginner-friendly, fast, cozy, and perfect for a simple weeknight meal.
Ingredients
8 ounces ditalini pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 1/4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons salted butter
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped parsley, optional
Optional: cooked chicken, spinach, broccoli, red pepper flakes, extra Parmesan
Instructions
1. Set a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat and warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, without browning.
2. Add the dry ditalini pasta to the pan and stir to coat it in the garlic oil. Pour in the broth, then add the salt and black pepper.
3. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has reduced.
4. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and butter until the sauce turns glossy and creamy.
5. Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese a little at a time until melted and smooth.
6. Fold in any optional add-ins like cooked chicken, broccoli, or spinach. Finish with parsley and extra Parmesan, then serve warm.
Notes
Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
If the pasta gets too thick, loosen it with a splash of broth, milk, or cream.
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth.
For extra protein, stir in cooked diced chicken near the end.
This pasta is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Recipes
- Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 55mg