That Viral Creamy Garlic Butter Ditalini Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy garlic butter ditalini pasta is a simple yet indulgent dish that has taken the internet by storm. With tender pasta coated in a rich, garlicky sauce and a touch of Parmesan, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.

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: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon garlic paste and cook until the garlic is fragrant and starting to brown.
2. Step 2: Add 1¼ cup ditalini pasta to the skillet and stir to coat it well with the garlic oil mixture.
3. Step 3: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, or just enough to cover the pasta. Add ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir frequently to prevent sticking as the pasta cooks.
4. Step 4: When most of the broth is absorbed and the pasta is al dente (about 8 minutes), stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons salted butter until melted and creamy.
5. Step 5: Season with extra salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with minced fresh parsley and serve immediately to keep the sauce smooth and rich.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer sauce, add an extra ¼ cup of heavy cream when stirring in the cheese and butter.
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
• Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added texture and flavor.
• Freshly grate the Parmesan for the best melt and taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy texture. The sauce may thicken or separate if overheated, so reheat gently.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of ditalini?

Yes, any small pasta like elbow macaroni, small shells, or orzo will work well in this recipe.

What can I substitute for garlic paste?

You can use 2-3 cloves of fresh minced garlic or 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if fresh paste is not available.

That Viral Creamy Garlic Butter Ditalini Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 50 reviews

This viral creamy garlic butter ditalini pasta is a quick and comforting skillet meal featuring tender ditalini pasta cooked directly in savory chicken broth, then finished with rich Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and butter. Enhanced by fragrant garlic and fresh parsley, it’s a luscious, creamy pasta dish that comes together in about 15 minutes, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Heat Olive Oil and Garlic: In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of garlic paste. Cook over medium-high heat until the garlic becomes fragrant and starts to brown slightly, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Add Pasta: Stir in 1¼ cup of uncooked ditalini pasta, coating it evenly with the garlic oil mixture to ensure flavor distribution.
3. Add Broth and Salt: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth (or enough to just cover the pasta) and add ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir frequently during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan’s bottom.
4. Cook Pasta Until Al Dente: Let the pasta cook in the broth for around 8 minutes, or until most of the broth is absorbed but the pasta remains slightly firm to bite (al dente).
5. Add Cheese, Cream, and Butter: Once the pasta is nearly cooked, stir in ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons salted butter. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely, creating a rich, creamy sauce.
6. Season and Garnish: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly minced parsley and serve immediately to prevent the sauce from breaking.

Notes

• Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting texture.
• Stir frequently while the pasta cooks to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.
• If the pasta absorbs broth too quickly and becomes too dry, add additional chicken broth a little at a time to maintain moisture.
• For a richer dish, add an extra ¼ cup of heavy cream as desired.
• Serve immediately as the sauce can separate if kept warm for too long.
• Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh finish but can be omitted if unavailable.

Keywords: Garlic Butter Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Ditalini Pasta Recipe, Quick Pasta Dinner, One-Pan Pasta, Easy Italian Pasta