What is Ditalini Pasta?

Ditalini is a small, cylindrical pasta shape that is perfect for soups, stews, and pasta dishes like this creamy ditalini pasta. Its hollow center allows it to soak up delicious sauces, making each bite extra flavorful.

Can I use another type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes! If you don't have ditalini, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like orzo, acini di pepe, or even elbow macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Absolutely! For a dairy-free or vegan version of this creamy ditalini pasta, simply swap the cream and butter for plant-based alternatives such as coconut cream and vegan butter. You can also use nutritional yeast in place of the Parmesan cheese for a cheesy, vegan flavor.

How can I make this pasta spicier?

If you enjoy a little heat, try adding chili flakes or incorporating chili crisp into the pasta. The chili crisp version of this recipe is already packed with a spicy kick, but you can adjust the level of heat by adding more or less depending on your taste.

Ditalini Pasta Recipe - 15-Minute Creamy Delicious Dish

Name: Ditalini Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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; Salt, to taste; Black Pepper, to taste; 1/3 Cup Chopped Parsley (for garnish, optional)

Description

This creamy ditalini pasta is a quick, delicious, and flavorful dish made with simple ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and vegetable broth. The pasta is perfectly coated in a creamy sauce, making it an ideal comfort food for weeknights or anytime you’re craving something savory and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

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
Salt, to taste
Black Pepper, to taste
1/3 Cup Chopped Parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add ditalini pasta to the pan and stir for about 1 minute.
Pour in vegetable broth, add salt and pepper, and cover the pan. Cook for 2 minutes, then uncover and stir. Repeat this in 30-second intervals until the pasta is al dente.
If needed, add more vegetable broth for extra creaminess, or skip if you prefer less liquid.
Remove the pan from heat, and stir in the cream (or milk), butter, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
For the chili crisp version, add chili crisp, chickpeas, and extra cheese now, and stir until combined.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Check pasta regularly to avoid overcooking, as it cooks quickly in the broth.
If the pasta looks dry, add more vegetable broth to keep it creamy.
For a vegan version, substitute cream and butter with coconut cream and plant-based butter.
This recipe is versatile and can be customized with extra ingredients like chickpeas or chili crisp for added flavor.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dinner, Lunch, Pasta
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 518 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 1006mg
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 13g
Cholesterol: 55mg