Name: That Viral Ditalini Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: Italian
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 more if desired); 2 tablespoons salted butter; Black pepper (to taste); Fresh parsley (minced, for garnish)

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Introduction

This viral ditalini pasta dish is creamy, garlicky, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Using simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful one-pan pasta that feels both comforting and indulgent.

A close-up view of a white bowl with a raised decorative edge filled with small ring-shaped pasta mixed with green peas, coated in a creamy yellow sauce, and topped with a generous layer of golden toasted breadcrumbs. The pasta sits in a slightly heaped mound in the center, showing the soft, glossy texture of the sauce on the noodles and the crunchy breadcrumb topping. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and the background includes soft pastel colors slightly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon garlic paste in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and starts to brown, taking care not to burn it.
Step 2: Add 1¼ cup ditalini pasta to the skillet and stir well to coat the pasta in the garlic oil.
Step 3: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, or just enough to cover the pasta, and add ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and cook until most of the broth is absorbed and the pasta is al dente, about 8 minutes. Add more broth if needed to finish cooking.
Step 4: Stir in ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons salted butter. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
Step 5: Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with minced fresh parsley and serve immediately to keep the sauce from breaking.

Tips & Variations

For a richer sauce, add an extra ¼ cup of heavy cream in step 4.
Substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, and omit the butter or use a plant-based alternative.
Use fresh garlic minced finely instead of garlic paste for a more textured garlic flavor.
Add cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and color.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce, stirring constantly to prevent separation.

How to Serve

A black pan filled with small, round pasta cooked in a yellow broth, lightly mixed with chopped green herbs scattered on top; a wooden spoon is stirring the pasta from the left side, resting inside the pan. The pan sits on a white marbled surface next to a blue cloth with white polka dots on the left, some fresh green herbs above on the right, and a small white bowl with black pepper and salt partially visible at the bottom right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, small pasta shapes that cook quickly, like elbow macaroni or small shells, work well as substitutes for ditalini in this recipe.

What if I don’t have garlic paste?

You can finely mince fresh garlic cloves and sauté them in the olive oil until fragrant, using about 2–3 cloves to replace 1 tablespoon of garlic paste.