If you’re on the hunt for a pasta dish that sings with flavor and melts in your mouth with every bite, then you absolutely need to try That Viral Creamy Garlic Butter Ditalini Pasta Recipe. This little wonder delivers comforting creaminess, the perfect hint of garlic, and the charming texture of ditalini pasta all mingling in one irresistibly buttery skillet meal. It’s quick, simple, and always leaves a lasting impression whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or craving a rich, satisfying treat that feels like a warm hug. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it won’t just be viral online—it might just become your go-to favorite too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be pantry staples for many, but each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this pasta special. From the fragrant garlic paste to the luscious Parmesan and butter, every component brings something unique to the table.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a smooth base for cooking garlic and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste: Offers a robust and even garlic flavor without the fuss of chopping fresh cloves.
- 1¼ cup ditalini pasta (175g, uncooked): These tiny tubes are perfect for soaking up sauce and creating a delightful bite-sized texture.
- 2 cups chicken broth (+ up to 1 additional cup if needed): The flavorful liquid keeps the pasta moist and infuses it with savory goodness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste): Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated): Adds a sharp, nutty punch that makes the dish irresistibly creamy.
- ¼ cup heavy cream (+¼ more if desired): Deepens the richness and gives the sauce its silky smooth texture.
- 2 tablespoons salted butter: Amplifies the buttery flavor and helps bind everything together effortlessly.
- Black pepper (to taste): Adds a touch of warmth and balance to the dish’s creamy notes.
- Fresh parsley (minced): A fresh, bright garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make That Viral Creamy Garlic Butter Ditalini Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the garlic paste. Cook it until you can smell that intoxicating garlic aroma and it starts to turn golden brown, which should take just a couple of minutes. This step is essential because it unlocks the garlic’s full depth of flavor, which will be the heart of your pasta.
Step 2: Toast the Pasta
Add your ditalini pasta directly into the skillet, stirring so each little tube gets a glossy coating of garlic oil. This helps the pasta soak up all the flavors that will develop in the next steps, plus it gives you a bit of toasty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, adding just enough so the pasta is mostly covered, and sprinkle in the salt. Then comes the patience part: keep stirring frequently to prevent sticking while the pasta absorbs the broth and cooks to al dente perfection. This should take around 8 minutes and really lets the pasta swell with flavor.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Once your broth is mostly absorbed but there’s still a little liquid left, stir in the Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and butter. Watch as the cheese melts into a rich, velvety sauce that clings lovingly to every piece of ditalini. Stir gently until everything combines into the ultimate creamy garlic butter sauce.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Season with extra salt and a few twists of freshly ground black pepper to bring all the flavors into harmony. Finish by sprinkling plenty of minced fresh parsley on top for a bright, herbal note and a pop of green color. Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its best before it starts to separate.
How to Serve That Viral Creamy Garlic Butter Ditalini Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
While the fresh parsley is classic and refreshing, you can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can elevate the dish’s silkiness and add a subtle fruity aroma that complements the butter perfectly.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh salads or roasted vegetables—think a crunchy Caesar salad or some garlic-roasted asparagus. For a heartier meal, try it alongside grilled chicken or a simple pan-seared fish to keep things light but satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls for a cozy vibe, or go for a rustic family-style platter garnished with sprigs of parsley or basil. You can even turn it into a creamy pasta bake by transferring it to a baking dish, topping with extra cheese, and broiling until golden and bubbly for a warm, comforting twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pasta will soak up more sauce as it cools, which can thicken the dish, so keep that in mind for reheating.
Freezing
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container. However, due to the cream and butter, the texture might change slightly upon thawing. Try to consume frozen portions within 1 month for best flavor.
Reheating
Reheat carefully on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce as it warms. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain the best creamy texture; slow reheating helps prevent the sauce from breaking.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of ditalini?
Absolutely! While ditalini works perfectly due to its size and shape, small pasta like elbow macaroni or small shells can be great substitutes that will absorb the sauce just as well.
Is garlic paste necessary, or can I use fresh garlic?
You can definitely use freshly minced garlic if you prefer. Garlic paste simply speeds up the process and ensures an even garlic flavor, but fresh garlic browned gently works wonderfully too.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and keep everything else the same. The Parmesan and butter deliver plenty of rich flavor without any meat.
How can I make the sauce extra creamy?
Adding a little more heavy cream or a touch of cream cheese will amp up the creaminess. Just be sure to stir gently so the sauce stays smooth and doesn’t separate.
Is it okay to use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Definitely! Just be mindful you might need to add a pinch more salt to balance the flavors if using unsalted butter.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that’s creamy, garlicky, and comforting with a quick and effortless recipe, you really can’t go wrong with That Viral Creamy Garlic Butter Ditalini Pasta Recipe. It turns humble ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that’s perfect anytime you want a little joy on your plate fast. Go ahead and give it a try; I promise it’ll become a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation just like it has in mine!
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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 to 3.3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Viral Creamy Garlic Butter Ditalini Pasta is a quick and comforting skillet dish combining tender ditalini pasta cooked directly in flavorful chicken broth with garlic, Parmesan, heavy cream, and butter. Ready in just 15 minutes, it boasts a rich, creamy sauce infused with robust garlic and fresh parsley for a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1¼ cups 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
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of garlic paste and cook until it becomes fragrant and begins to brown, which brings out the deep, robust garlic flavor.
- Add Pasta: Stir in 1¼ cups of ditalini pasta, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the garlic oil to start infusing flavor directly into the pasta.
- Cook Pasta in Broth: Pour 2 cups of chicken broth over the pasta—just enough to cover it. Add ¼ teaspoon salt and stir frequently to prevent sticking, letting the pasta absorb most but not all of the broth as it cooks to an al dente texture, about 8 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Once the pasta is al dente and most broth is absorbed, stir in ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons salted butter. Mix until the cheese melts fully creating a smooth, creamy sauce coating the pasta.
- Season and Garnish: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper according to taste. Garnish with freshly minced parsley and serve immediately to enjoy the creamy sauce at its best without breaking.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, add an extra ¼ cup of heavy cream when adding the butter and Parmesan.
- If the pasta absorbs the broth too fast and looks dry before fully cooked, add additional broth, up to 1 cup, to finish cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting texture and flavor.
- Serve immediately after cooking to prevent the sauce from separating or breaking.
