Picture this: a bowl of creamy, dreamy pasta—comforting, rich, and indulgent with each tender bite. Creamy Ditalini Pasta is the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm hug. It’s like the ultimate cozy comfort food, but with a touch of elegance that makes it feel special. The little ditalini pasta holds the creamy sauce perfectly, and the dish is bursting with flavor in every forkful. You’re going to fall in love with it from the very first bite.
The sauce is everything here: velvety, luscious, and made with a blend of heavy cream, Parmesan, and a few pantry staples you probably already have. It’s simple but oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself after a long day, hosting friends, or just craving some serious comfort, this dish hits all the right notes. It’s rich, it’s creamy, it’s everything you want in a pasta dish—and it’s so easy to make!
Why You’ll Love Creamy Ditalini Pasta
This isn’t just any pasta—it’s an experience. Here’s why this dish will quickly become a favorite:
Super Creamy, Super Comforting
The creamy sauce is what dreams are made of. It’s rich, velvety, and perfectly coats each piece of pasta. One bite, and you’ll be hooked.
Quick and Easy
Don’t let the creamy texture fool you—this dish comes together in no time. It’s a great option for a quick weeknight dinner that feels a little indulgent without being complicated.
Versatile
You can easily make this dish your own by adding in your favorite ingredients. Think sautéed spinach, crispy bacon, or roasted veggies. It’s like the perfect canvas for whatever you’re craving.
Budget-Friendly
With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create something that tastes much fancier than it really is. No need to break the bank—just delicious, satisfying comfort food at home.
Crowd-Pleasing
Who doesn’t love pasta in a creamy sauce? This dish is guaranteed to please both kids and adults alike. Serve it at your next family dinner or a casual gathering, and watch it disappear!
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Ingredients
Ready to whip up this creamy pasta? Here’s what you need:
Ditalini Pasta
These tiny, adorable pasta shapes are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. If you can’t find ditalini, any small pasta shape (like elbows or orzo) will work too.
Heavy Cream
This is what makes the sauce so rich and velvety. You’ll want that luscious creaminess to coat every piece of pasta.
Parmesan Cheese
Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty kick that balances out the richness of the cream. Freshly grated is always best for maximum flavor.
Butter
A little bit of butter helps to give the sauce its silky smooth texture and adds a bit of extra richness.
Garlic
Garlic brings that wonderful, aromatic foundation to the dish. It’s the little touch that makes all the difference.
Chicken Broth
This is key to making the sauce flavorful without being too heavy. It gives the dish a savory depth that pairs beautifully with the cream.
Salt and Pepper
Basic but essential! Seasoning is everything, so don’t skip these.
Fresh Parsley (Optional)
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of brightness to balance the creamy richness of the pasta.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are included in the recipe card.)
Instructions
Let’s get this creamy pasta on the table! Here’s how to make it:
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the ditalini pasta and cook according to package directions (usually about 8-10 minutes). You want it al dente, so don’t overcook it! Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water for later.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes so the flavors can combine.
3. Add the Cream and Cheese
Once the broth has simmered, add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Now, add the Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce, making it extra creamy and delicious.
4. Toss in the Pasta
Add your cooked ditalini pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce to coat every piece. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and get the perfect consistency.
5. Season to Taste
Season the pasta with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. You can also add a bit more Parmesan if you want it extra cheesy!
6. Serve and Garnish
Once everything’s beautifully combined, serve your creamy ditalini pasta immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley for a little color and freshness, then dive in!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Creamy Ditalini Pasta
While this creamy pasta is delicious on its own, here are some ideas for what to serve it with:
With Grilled Chicken or Shrimp
Add a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier meal. The creamy pasta pairs beautifully with savory grilled meats.
With Garlic Bread
You can never go wrong with garlic bread! Serve alongside for some extra indulgence and to help scoop up that luscious creamy sauce.
With a Crisp Salad
Pair with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. A side of roasted vegetables would also be a great addition.
As a Side Dish
Serve this creamy pasta as a side to a roasted meat or fish. Its rich, comforting flavor complements a variety of main courses.
Additional Tips
- Make It Ahead: You can cook the pasta and make the creamy sauce ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, just combine the two and reheat on the stove. You may need to add a bit more cream or pasta water to keep it creamy.
- Add More Veggies: Want to sneak in some veggies? Try adding spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half or milk in place of the heavy cream to lighten up the dish a bit. It won’t be quite as rich, but still delicious!
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or pasta water to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! While ditalini is perfect for this dish, any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni, penne, or even orzo will work just fine.
Q2: Can I make this dish vegan?
A2: Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan for a vegan version. The flavor will still be rich and creamy!
Q3: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A3: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or add a little more Parmesan. You could also stir in a spoonful of cream cheese for extra richness.
Q4: Can I freeze Creamy Ditalini Pasta?
A4: While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just be aware that the cream may change texture slightly when thawed. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Q5: Can I add meat to this dish?
A5: Yes! Crispy bacon, grilled chicken, or even Italian sausage would be great additions to this creamy pasta. Just cook your protein first and stir it in at the end.
Q6: What’s the best way to reheat leftover pasta?
A6: Reheat your leftover creamy pasta on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creaminess. Stir frequently until heated through.
Conclusion
This Creamy Ditalini Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—simple, creamy, and totally satisfying. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet indulgent enough for a special occasion. With its velvety sauce and rich flavors, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Ready to cozy up with a bowl of creamy pasta? You’re going to love it!
Print
Creamy Ditalini Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Ditalini Pasta is a rich and comforting dish made with small, tender pasta tossed in a creamy, savory sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side to a larger meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ditalini pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream and whole milk. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can add the mozzarella cheese at this point and stir until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked ditalini pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Serve the creamy ditalini pasta immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and more Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- If you want to add protein, grilled chicken, bacon, or sautéed shrimp would pair nicely with this creamy pasta.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, or use a lower-fat milk for a lighter sauce.
- This pasta can be stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg