If you’ve been scrolling through endless recipes looking for that one dish that hits every comfort-note perfectly, look no further than That Viral Creamy Garlic Butter Ditalini Pasta Recipe. This little pasta wonder delivers a rich, velvety sauce infused with garlic and butter, wrapping cozy warmth around every bite of tender ditalini. It’s an effortless yet indulgent meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, making it absolutely irresistible whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing friends at dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of That Viral Creamy Garlic Butter Ditalini Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the brightness of fresh parsley to the luscious cream that gives the sauce its irresistible silkiness. Get ready for a lineup that’s straightforward but packs incredible flavor and texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a smooth base and helps release the garlic’s flavor.
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste: Concentrated garlic aroma that infuses the dish with deep savory notes.
- 1¼ cup ditalini pasta (175g, uncooked): Small tubular pasta that holds the sauce beautifully in every tiny bite.
- 2 cups chicken broth (+ up to 1 additional cup if needed): Adds savory depth and cooking liquid, making the pasta tender and flavorful.
- ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated): Gives a nutty, sharp flavor that thickens the sauce nicely.
- ¼ cup heavy cream (+¼ more if desired): Adds creaminess and richness that makes every bite indulgent.
- 2 tablespoons salted butter: Blends in smooth decadence and a hint of saltiness.
- Black pepper (to taste): Provides a gentle, warming bite that balances the richness.
- Fresh parsley (minced): Brightens and adds a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make That Viral Creamy Garlic Butter Ditalini Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in your tablespoon of garlic paste and cook it until you can smell that incredible fragrance wafting through your kitchen and the garlic begins to turn a beautiful golden brown. This step unlocks the garlic’s robust flavor while ensuring it’s not bitter, setting a perfect flavor foundation.
Step 2: Toast the Pasta
Next, add the 1¼ cups of ditalini pasta straight into the skillet. Stir it around to coat every piece of pasta in the garlicky oil mixture. Toasting the pasta slightly lends a subtle nuttiness and helps the sauce cling to each tube for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer
Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth — just enough to barely cover the pasta — and add ¼ teaspoon of salt for seasoning. Keep things moving by stirring frequently. This prevents the pasta from sticking and also helps it absorb the flavorful broth slowly, cooking perfectly al dente in roughly 8 minutes. If it looks like the liquid is drying too fast, add a splash of that extra cup of broth to keep everything moist.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cheese, Cream, and Butter
Once most of the broth has cooked down but the pasta still has a touch of bite, it’s time to enrich the dish. Stir in ½ cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons of salted butter. These ingredients melt into a lusciously creamy sauce that hugs every kernel of pasta, delivering the signature silky texture that made That Viral Creamy Garlic Butter Ditalini Pasta Recipe famous.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Fresh Herbs
Last but not least, adjust your seasoning by adding more salt and some freshly ground black pepper until the taste sings the way you like. Sprinkle a generous amount of minced fresh parsley over the top. This pop of green not only adds freshness but gives the dish an inviting look, perfect for serving immediately while the sauce maintains its luscious consistency.
How to Serve That Viral Creamy Garlic Butter Ditalini Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of simple garnishes. A bit of extra grated Parmesan, a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil, or a few more sprigs of fresh parsley can elevate this dish from delightful to restaurant-worthy. You might also try a sprinkle of chili flakes if you want a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
Pairing is key! Light, crisp side salads with lemon vinaigrette or roasted veggies balance the creamy richness beautifully. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is ideal for soaking up every last bit of the buttery sauce — trust me, you won’t want any sauce left behind.
Creative Ways to Present
Since ditalini is such a charmingly small shape, consider serving this pasta in shallow bowls to show off the creamy gleam of the sauce. For a fun twist, top with crispy pancetta bits or toasted pine nuts for texture contrast. This pasta also works wonderfully as a warm side to a garlic-roasted chicken or pan-seared fish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb more sauce as it sits, so it’s perfectly okay to loosen it with a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
Freezing
This creamy pasta isn’t the best candidate for freezing because the dairy-rich sauce can separate and turn grainy once thawed. For the best texture, enjoy it fresh or refrigerate if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a little cream or broth to keep it smooth and silky. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to unevenly heat and break the sauce’s texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for That Viral Creamy Garlic Butter Ditalini Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While ditalini works beautifully because of its size and shape, small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, orzo, or mini shells also do a great job holding onto the creamy garlic sauce.
Is it necessary to use chicken broth, or can I substitute vegetable broth?
Vegetable broth is an excellent substitute if you prefer a vegetarian option or simply want a lighter taste. It keeps the flavor profile savory without compromising texture.
Can I make That Viral Creamy Garlic Butter Ditalini Pasta Recipe dairy-free?
You can try substituting the butter and cream with dairy-free alternatives such as vegan butter and coconut cream. Keep in mind it will slightly change the flavor but the creaminess and texture can still be achieved.
How can I make the dish spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic or sprinkle some on top when serving. You can also mix in a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce before serving for a flavorful kick.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for a couple of days. Just be sure to gently reheat and add a bit of extra cream or broth to restore the sauce’s luscious texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about That Viral Creamy Garlic Butter Ditalini Pasta Recipe — it’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough to share with friends. Every spoonful brings comfort, creaminess, and rich flavor in a way that’s hard to resist. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy every cozy, buttery bite as much as I do!
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That Viral Creamy Garlic Butter Ditalini Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Viral Creamy Garlic Butter Ditalini Pasta is a quick and comforting dish featuring tender ditalini pasta simmered in savory chicken broth, enriched with garlic, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and butter to create a luscious, creamy sauce. Finished with fresh parsley and black pepper, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors in under 15 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
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 the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of garlic paste. Cook until the garlic becomes fragrant and starts to brown slightly, about 1-2 minutes, to infuse the oil with garlic flavor.
- Add the Pasta: Stir in 1¼ cup of uncooked ditalini pasta, coating it well with the garlic and oil mixture to prepare it for cooking.
- Cook the Pasta in Broth: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, or just enough to cover the pasta. Add ¼ teaspoon salt, and stir frequently to prevent sticking. Simmer the pasta gently until most of the broth is absorbed and the pasta is cooked al dente, approximately 8 minutes. Add up to 1 additional cup of broth if the pasta needs more liquid to cook evenly.
- Finish the Sauce: Once the pasta is tender and the broth mostly absorbed, stir in ½ cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons salted butter. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy, rich sauce coating the pasta.
- Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as desired. Garnish with minced fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest texture.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic paste for the best flavor, or substitute with finely minced garlic if needed.
- If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a bit more chicken broth or cream to loosen it before serving.
- Parmesan cheese should be finely grated to melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Serve immediately, as the creamy sauce can break or separate if left to sit for too long.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
