Creamy Parmesan Italian Ditalini Recipe
A rich and luscious pasta dish featuring ditalini tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce flavored with garlic, butter (or olive oil), and Italian herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy meals
Ingredients
- 8 oz ditalini pasta
- 2 Tbsp olive oil or butter
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup low‑sodium chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & fresh black pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook ditalini in salted water until al dente (approx. 8–10 mins), reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain.
- In a skillet, heat oil/butter on medium; sauté garlic 1–2 mins until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth; simmer 3–4 mins to reduce.
- Stir in heavy cream until blended.
- Gradually whisk in Parmesan until smooth.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper (and red pepper flakes if using).
- Add pasta, toss to coat—thin with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Garnish with parsley or basil and serve warm
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
- Don’t overcook—aim for al dente to maintain pasta texture.
- Add-ins like sausage, chicken, mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes are great for extra heartiness.
- Save some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.