Name: That Viral Ditalini Pasta Recipe for Creamy Comfort Bliss Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Avocado oil is a great substitute.); 1 tablespoon Garlic Paste (Fresh minced garlic works just as well.); 1.25 cups Ditalini Pasta (You can swap for any small pasta shape.); 2 cups Chicken Broth (Go for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.); 0.25 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste.); 0.5 cups Parmesan Cheese (Pecorino Romano is a sharper alternative.); 0.25 cups Heavy Cream (Lighten with half-and-half or coconut cream.); 2 tablespoons Salted Butter (Use unsalted butter if preferred.); Black Pepper (Freshly cracked is best.); Fresh Parsley (Can substitute with basil or omit.)

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Introduction

This viral ditalini pasta recipe brings creamy comfort to your dinner table with minimal effort. Perfectly tender pasta cooked right in flavorful broth creates a luscious, cheesy sauce that’s irresistible. It’s a quick and satisfying dish ideal for any night of the week.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with creamy macaroni pasta, the small ring-shaped noodles coated in a smooth, pale yellow cheese sauce. The top layer is sprinkled with finely chopped green parsley leaves and light dusting of grated cheese. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil (avocado oil is a great substitute)
1 tablespoon garlic paste (fresh minced garlic works just as well)
1.25 cups ditalini pasta (you can swap for any small pasta shape)
2 cups chicken broth (go for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian)
0.25 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
0.5 cups Parmesan cheese (Pecorino Romano is a sharper alternative)
0.25 cups heavy cream (lighten with half-and-half or coconut cream)
2 tablespoons salted butter (use unsalted butter if preferred)
Black pepper (freshly cracked is best)
Fresh parsley (can substitute with basil or omit)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of garlic paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
Step 2: Stir in 1¼ cups of uncooked ditalini pasta, ensuring each piece is coated with the oil and garlic. Continue to stir for about 1 minute.
Step 3: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and add ¼ teaspoon of salt. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring frequently. Cook for about 8 minutes until pasta is al dente.
Step 4: Reduce heat to low, add ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup of heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons of salted butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Garnish with minced fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Try swapping ditalini for other small pasta shapes like orzo or elbow macaroni for a similar texture.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
Fresh basil can be used in place of parsley for a different herbaceous note.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

A bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese with small, hollow pasta rings covered in smooth, pale yellow cheese sauce. The pasta is piled high and garnished with small green parsley leaves scattered evenly on top. The food is served in a white bowl with a slight brown rim, set on a white marbled surface. In the background, a blurred bowl of more pasta can be seen. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried garlic instead of garlic paste?

Yes, but fresh garlic paste or minced garlic will give the best flavor and aroma. If using dried garlic powder, start with about ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste.

Is it necessary to use heavy cream?

Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess, but you can substitute with half-and-half or even coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option, respectively.