Pasta lovers, rejoice!
If you’re searching for a comforting, creamy pasta dish that’s easy to make and absolutely delicious, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Ditalini Pasta is for you.
This recipe combines the rich flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and cream to create a luscious dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a delightful side.
Let’s dive into the details of how to make this wonderful pasta dish.
Ingredients
Before we begin, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This will be used to sauté the pasta and garlic, infusing them with a rich, aromatic flavor.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish. If you love garlic, feel free to add a bit more!
- 1 and 1/4 cup Barilla ditalini pasta: Ditalini is a small, tubular pasta that’s perfect for absorbing the creamy sauce.
- 2 cups chicken broth: The broth will cook the pasta and impart a savory flavor.
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream: This adds a luxurious creaminess to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Butter will be melted into the pasta at the end, adding richness and a silky texture.
- Salt: For seasoning.
- Pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds a nice kick.
- Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty flavor that complements the creaminess of the dish.
Directions
Now, let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Sauté the Ditalini Pasta
Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Once the oil is warm, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Next, add 1 and 1/4 cup of ditalini pasta to the skillet. Stir the pasta well to ensure each piece is coated with the olive oil and garlic mixture. Sauté the pasta for a few minutes, allowing it to soak up the flavors of the oil and garlic.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta in Chicken Broth
Pour 2 cups of chicken broth over the pasta in the skillet. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cook the pasta until most of the broth has evaporated, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
Step 3: Add the Cream
After the broth has mostly evaporated, it’s time to add the cream. Pour 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream into the skillet and stir it into the pasta. Continue to cook the mixture over low heat until most of the liquid has evaporated, creating a creamy sauce that coats the pasta. This should take an additional 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Butter and Parmesan
Once the liquid has mostly evaporated, remove the skillet from the heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta. Stir well to combine, allowing the butter and cheese to melt and create a rich, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Now, it’s time to season your pasta. Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Remember that Parmesan cheese is quite salty, so you may not need much salt. Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley over the pasta, adding a touch of freshness and a burst of color.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Ditalini Pasta is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it immediately while it’s hot and creamy. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations
- Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon to the pasta.
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this dish vegetarian.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Ditalini Pasta is sure to become a favorite in your household.
It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying.
Enjoy your cooking, and more importantly, enjoy your delicious meal!
Credit: @jazzypeachco