Discover a new weeknight favorite with this incredible ditalini pasta recipe! This dish has taken social media by storm for a reason: it’s incredibly quick to prepare and unbelievably delicious. You’ll love the rich, creamy texture and comforting garlic flavor in every bite. This versatile recipe also offers plenty of options for customization, making it perfect for any dinner table. Get ready to enjoy a super simple, yet satisfying meal tonight!
Why You’ll Love This Ditalini Pasta Recipe
This viral ditalini pasta recipe is a game-changer for busy households and beginner cooks. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll adore it:
- Lightning Fast: Ready in about 15 minutes, it’s perfect for those hectic evenings when time is short.
- Unbelievably Creamy: Each spoonful offers a rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying texture.
- Highly Adaptable: Easily customize with your favorite proteins, vegetables, or spices.
- Family-Friendly: Its mild yet flavorful profile appeals to even the pickiest eaters.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, making after-dinner chores a breeze.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your next favorite ditalini pasta recipe. We focus on fresh, accessible items to ensure delicious results every time.
- 3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 4 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 8 oz Ditalini Pasta (about 2 cups)
- 3 Cups Vegetable Broth (or more, if needed)
- 1/4 Cup Cream (or milk)
- 4 Tbsp Salted Butter
- 1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
- 1/3 Cup Chopped Fresh Parsley, for garnish (optional)
For the Optional Chili Crisp Version:
- 4 Tbsp Chili Crisp
- 1 Can Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 Cup Extra Parmesan or Cheddar Cheese
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adjust this ditalini pasta recipe to fit your dietary needs or preferences. For dairy alternatives, use unsweetened plain milk or plant-based cream instead of dairy cream. Feel free to swap Parmesan for other grated cheeses like sharp cheddar, pecorino romano, or even nutritional yeast for a cheesy, dairy-free flavor. If you can’t find ditalini, small pasta shapes like orzo, pastina, or acini di pepe work wonderfully. For the broth, chicken broth or mushroom broth can replace vegetable broth, adding different layers of flavor. To make the chili crisp version, simply stir in the chili crisp, chickpeas, and extra cheese at the end for a spicy, textural twist.
Equipment
You won’t need much to whip up this quick and easy ditalini pasta recipe. Keep things simple!
- Large Lidded Saucepan or Dutch Oven: Essential for one-pot cooking.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
- Garlic Press or Knife: To prepare your fresh garlic quickly.
- Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring and preventing sticking.
Instructions
Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to create your perfect creamy ditalini pasta recipe. This guide ensures a fantastic meal every time, even for beginners.
- Sauté Garlic: First, warm the extra virgin olive oil in a large, lidded saucepan over medium-low heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic. Stir gently for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown or burn; it will turn bitter.
- Toast Pasta: Next, add the ditalini pasta directly into the saucepan with the garlic and oil. Stir continuously for approximately one minute. Toasting the pasta slightly before adding liquid deepens its flavor and adds a nutty undertone to the finished dish.
- Simmer Pasta: Pour in the vegetable broth, then season with salt and black pepper to your taste. Cover the saucepan with its lid and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about two minutes, then uncover and stir well to prevent the pasta from sticking. Continue cooking, stirring every 30 seconds, until the pasta is al dente. For a detailed understanding of this essential Italian cooking term, learn more about what ‘al dente’ means in pasta cooking. Check your ditalini pasta package for specific cooking time recommendations, but tasting is the best way to determine doneness. You want the pasta cooked through but still having a slight bite.
- Achieve Creaminess: You should still have some liquid left in the pan when the pasta is perfectly cooked. If the pan looks too dry, add an extra 1/4 to 1/3 cup of vegetable broth to create more sauce. If you prefer a less “soupy” consistency, you can skip adding extra broth at this stage. Once the ditalini is al dente, remove the saucepan from the heat and leave it uncovered. Stir in the cream (or milk), salted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese until everything is well combined and beautifully creamy. The residual heat will melt the butter and cheese, creating a luxurious sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: At this point, assess the consistency of your ditalini pasta. If you prefer a looser, more “soupy” texture, gradually stir in a little more warm vegetable broth until it reaches your desired creaminess. For a thicker sauce, simply enjoy it as is.
- Optional Chili Crisp Version: If you are making the spicy chili crisp variation, stir in the chili crisp, drained chickpeas, and the extra Parmesan or cheddar cheese now. Mix until everything is evenly distributed. This adds a fantastic depth of flavor, texture, and a pleasant kick.
- Serve & Garnish: Plate your creamy ditalini pasta immediately while it’s still warm. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a touch of color and fresh herb flavor.
- Enjoy: Savor your quick, comforting, and incredibly flavorful ditalini pasta. This easy ditalini pasta recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Making this ditalini pasta recipe simple and delicious is our goal. Here are some tips for success:
- Prevent Sticky Pasta: Stir the pasta frequently, especially during the simmering stage, to prevent it from clumping or sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Perfect Al Dente: Always check your pasta package for recommended cooking times, but taste your ditalini often. Al dente means it’s tender with a slight bite.
- Flavor Boosts: For a richer garlic flavor, try using roasted garlic instead of fresh minced garlic. It adds a deeper, sweeter note.
- Achieving Creaminess: Use full-fat cream or milk for the richest, most decadent sauce. Low-fat options work but may yield a thinner consistency.
- Dealing with Dry Pasta: Keep extra warm vegetable broth nearby. If your pasta absorbs too much liquid, simply stir in a splash or two until it reaches your desired sauciness.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili crisp to your personal preference. Start with less and add more if you like a hotter kick.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile ditalini pasta recipe is perfect on its own or as a side.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your creamy ditalini with a crisp, simple green salad and some crusty bread for dipping.
- Storing Leftovers: Allow any leftover ditalini pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating Tips: When reheating, the pasta may absorb more liquid. Add a splash of extra warm vegetable broth or milk to bring it back to a creamy consistency. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Flavor Variations
Get creative with your ditalini pasta!
- Protein Boosts: Stir in cooked shredded chicken, sautéed shrimp, browned Italian sausage, or even crispy bacon bits.
- Vegetable Additions: Fold in fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking, or add frozen peas, diced tomatoes, or finely chopped bell peppers.
- Herb Swaps: Experiment with fresh basil, oregano, chives, or a mix of Italian herbs for different aromatic profiles.
- Spicier Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic, or use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.
- Vegan Option: Easily make this ditalini pasta recipe vegan by using plant-based butter, non-dairy cream (like cashew or oat cream), and your favorite vegan Parmesan cheese alternative.
Nutrition
Enjoying this delicious ditalini pasta is a treat! Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for the basic recipe, providing a general idea of its components.
Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands, ingredients, and any variations you choose to include. Adding proteins, different cheeses, or other vegetables will alter the final nutritional content.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Total Carbs | 38g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 10g |
FAQ
Got questions about this viral ditalini pasta recipe? We have answers!
- What is ditalini pasta? To delve deeper into the origins and characteristics of this charming pasta shape, explore the history and definition of ditalini pasta. Ditalini is a small, tube-shaped pasta, resembling tiny thimbles. Its name literally means “small thimbles” in Italian.
- Can I use other pasta shapes? Yes, you can! Other small pasta shapes like orzo, pastina, or acini di pepe make excellent substitutes for ditalini pasta in this recipe.
- Is this the viral TikTok Ditalini Pasta? This recipe is directly inspired by the popular creamy ditalini pasta dish that went viral on TikTok, offering our own easy and adaptable version.
- How to pronounce ditalini? You pronounce it “dee-tah-LEE-nee.” It’s quite fun to say!
- Is ditalini good for soup? Absolutely, its small size and shape make ditalini perfect for absorbing broth and adding substance to various soups.
Conclusion
This easy and creamy ditalini pasta recipe is truly a culinary gem, embodying simplicity, deliciousness, and incredible adaptability. It’s perfect for busy parents and beginners alike, proving that comforting, flavorful meals don’t need hours in the kitchen. We encourage you to try this delightful dish and discover your new favorite weeknight meal. Share your creations with us – we can’t wait to see how you make this ditalini pasta your own!