Have you seen the viral ditalini pasta recipe that’s taking over social media?
This easy recipe is everything you want for busy weeknights. It’s rich, satisfying and made with just a handful of ingredients you probably already have on hand.
It’s a great side dish for a main protein and also a cozy meal for when you just need a bowl of pasta. The whole family will love this one!
What is Ditalini Pasta?
Ditalini pasta is a tiny pasta shaped like short tubes. The loose translation is “little thimbles”.
Ditalini is commonly used in soups and hearty dishes like pasta e fagioli. You might also see it in pasta salads.
Its small size makes it perfect for soaking up rich sauces and flavorful liquids like chicken broth and chicken stock.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple viral recipe:
- Ditalini pasta
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese
- Heavy cream
- Garlic
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Salt
How to Make the Viral Ditalini Pasta
Saute the Garlic
This entire recipe is made in one pan, so grab a large pan that you’re able to cover.
Start by sauteing the garlic in olive oil until it sizzles and starts to turn golden.
Cook the Pasta
Add the dry pasta to the garlic oil and toss it so it’s coated in the oil.
Then, pour in the chicken broth and cover the pan. You’ll watch the pasta as it cooks in the broth for about 10 minutes. Be sure to check every few minutes until it reaches an al dente texture.
At this point, the pasta will have absorbed most of the broth.
Finish with Butter and Cream
Once the pasta is cooked, finish the dish by stirring in the cream, butter and Parmesan cheese. Simple as that!
Watch how to make Viral Ditalini Pasta!
Serving Suggestions
This pasta is super versatile and can be enjoyed as either a main meal or a side dish. Here are some ideas.
- Main Dish: Sometimes you just need a cozy bowl of pasta, and that’s when this ditalini really hits the spot. Round out the meal with a crisp green salad, garlic knots or a protein like chicken or shrimp.
- Side Dish: Serve ditalini pasta as a tasty side dish for roasted chicken, grilled steak or fish.
Variations
- Add a protein: This recipe is a great base for lots of proteins. Try roasted chicken, short ribs, sausage or shrimp.
- Turn up the heat: If you like it spicy, add a dash of red pepper flakes when you finish the dish.
- Lighten up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce a little fat and calories.
- Add veggies: Stir in spinach, peas or asparagus for added nutrients and texture.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Unfortunately, the fats in the sauce will separate in the refrigerator and it won’t be quite the same when you reheat it.
To reconstitute the sauce as best as possible, slowly reheat it on the stovetop, adding chicken broth as needed.
FAQs
Ditalini and ditali are very similar in shape but different in size. Ditalini is smaller and more delicate, while ditali is slightly larger and thicker. For this recipe, ditalini works best because its small size cooks quickly and helps to create a creamier consistency.
Cooking pasta directly in chicken broth or chicken stock infuses it with flavor from the inside out. The starch released during cooking also helps thicken the sauce, creating a rich, creamy texture without needing extra ingredients.
It’s a simple technique that elevates this dish from basic to viral!
Yes, you can substitute milk for heavy cream, but the result will not be as rich and creamy. If you use milk, try adding a little more Parmesan cheese to thicken the consistency.
Absolutely! Chicken stock can be used in place of chicken broth and often provides a deeper, richer flavor.
When you make this ditalini pasta recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy!
For more simple pasta recipes, try these:
Viral Ditalini Pasta
Equipment
- 1 large skillet with cover
Ingredients
- 16 oz. ditalini pasta
- 3 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 tsp. salt
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium-low heat.
- Add garlic and cook until sizzling. Stir in the dry pasta. Toss to coat.
- Pour in the chicken broth. Cover. Bring to a boil, checking every few minutes for an al dente texture (about 8-10 minutes). Most of the broth should be absorbed by the pasta.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the cream and salt. Finish by stirring in the butter and Parmesan cheese. Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
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