Ditalini Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy dish, this Ditalini Pasta Recipe is just what you need. Small in size but big on taste, ditalini pasta is a versatile ingredient that works beautifully in everything from hearty soups to creamy skillet dinners. In this recipe, we bring together rich Parmesan, velvety cream, savory broth, and a touch of spice to create a dish that’s both cozy and crave-worthy.

The best part? It’s a one-pan pasta recipe that’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet delicious enough to serve to guests. With its tender bite, creamy sauce, and subtle kick from red pepper flakes, this dish will quickly become a go-to meal in your rotation.

Whether you’ve just discovered ditalini pasta or it’s already a staple in your kitchen, this recipe is a great way to highlight its versatility and texture. So grab your skillet and a handful of pantry staples—it’s time to make a pasta dish that’s rich in flavor, simple to prepare, and perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Unbelievably Tasty Ditalini Pasta Recipe isn’t just another pasta dish—it’s a flavorful, comforting, and versatile meal that stands out for all the right reasons. Here’s why you’ll love making it again and again:

1. Creamy and Comforting Texture

The combination of heavy cream, broth, and grated Parmesan cheese creates a luscious, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the short tube-shaped ditalini pasta, giving you rich flavor in every bite.

2. Perfectly Balanced Flavor

Savory, slightly salty Parmesan, smooth cream, and a gentle kick of red pepper flakes give this dish a well-rounded, satisfying taste without overpowering the palate.

3. Versatile for Add-Ins

This recipe is a great base for adding extra ingredients. Try tossing in cooked chicken, crumbled sausage, sautéed vegetables, peas, or fresh herbs to customize it to your taste.

4. Pantry-Friendly Ingredients

Everything you need—ditalini pasta, broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, butter, and spices—is likely already in your kitchen, making it a go-to meal without extra grocery runs.

5. Beginner-Friendly Yet Impressive

This recipe is easy enough for a beginner cook but tastes like something you’d find at a restaurant. It’s effortless yet impressive, making it a perfect dish for guests or date nights at home.

With so many benefits packed into one simple recipe, this ditalini pasta dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Before you start cooking this flavorful ditalini pasta recipe, make sure you have everything prepped and ready. The ingredients are simple, familiar, and easy to find, but they come together to create a rich, comforting dish packed with flavor.

Core Ingredients:

• 1½ cups ditalini pasta – A small, short tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce well and provides a satisfying bite.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and depth to the dish.
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced – Provides a sweet and savory base flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the aroma and adds a subtle kick.
• 1½ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth) – Builds the savory flavor and creates a smooth base for the creamy sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Delivers a creamy, velvety texture that coats the pasta beautifully.
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for a nutty, salty finish.
• Salt and black pepper to taste – Essential seasonings to balance the overall flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a mild heat that enhances the flavor without overpowering it.

With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to create a creamy, satisfying ditalini pasta dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Instructions

This ditalini pasta recipe is not only full of flavor but also incredibly simple to prepare. With just one pan and a few easy steps, you’ll have a warm, creamy, and comforting pasta dish ready in no time.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat skillet over medium heat.
Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the hot skillet and let it melt completely.
Stir in the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant—be careful not to burn it.

Step 2: Toast the Pasta

Add the dry ditalini pasta directly to the pan.
Stir it with the onion and garlic mixture for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast the pasta. This step enhances its flavor and gives the dish more depth.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and stir well.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cover the skillet and let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Tip: If the pasta begins to stick or dry out before it’s fully cooked, add an extra splash of broth or water and continue simmering.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Cheese

Reduce the heat to low.
To create a smooth and creamy sauce, slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Season the sauce to your liking with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you prefer a little heat).

Step 5: Customize Your Pasta (Optional)

If you’re using add-ins like cooked sausage, shredded chicken, peas, or spinach, stir them in at this stage.
Let everything simmer for another 2–3 minutes, just enough to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the skillet from heat.
Let the pasta sit for 1–2 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly.
Spoon the pasta into bowls and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs on top before serving.

This one-pan ditalini pasta recipe comes together quickly and delivers creamy, bold flavors with minimal effort.

Pro Tips and Variations

This ditalini pasta recipe is already delicious on its own, but a few smart tips and fun variations can take it from great to unforgettable. Whether you want to boost flavor, switch up textures, or adapt it for different dietary needs, here’s how to make the most of this dish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Ditalini Pasta

1. Toast the Pasta for Extra Flavor

Lightly toasting the dry ditalini pasta in butter before adding broth brings a subtle nutty flavor and keeps the pasta from getting too soft as it cooks.

2. Stir Frequently While Simmering

As the pasta cooks directly in the skillet, stir regularly to prevent sticking and to help the sauce coat each piece evenly.

3. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan

Pre-shredded cheese usually includes anti-caking agents, which can interfere with its ability to melt smoothly. For the creamiest texture and best flavor, always grate Parmesan fresh from a block.

4. Adjust Consistency with Broth or Cream

If the sauce gets too thick, add a small splash of broth or pasta water to loosen it. For an even richer sauce, add a touch more heavy cream near the end of cooking.

5. Finish with Fresh Herbs

A sprinkle of fresh parsley, basil, or thyme right before serving adds brightness and balances the richness of the dish.

Delicious Variations to Try

1. Ditalini with Sausage and Spinach

Brown some crumbled Italian sausage in the skillet before adding the onions. Add baby spinach near the end for a hearty, well-rounded meal.

2. Pesto Ditalini Pasta

Stir in 2 tablespoons of basil pesto just before serving. This adds herbaceous flavor and a vibrant green hue to the creamy pasta base.

3. Ditalini Primavera

Add in sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for a colorful, veggie-packed version of this dish.

4. Creamy Ditalini with Mushrooms

Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the Parmesan cream sauce.

5. Lightened-Up Version

Swap half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, and use reduced-fat Parmesan to cut down on richness without sacrificing too much flavor.

These tips and variations give you endless ways to adapt and elevate this ditalini pasta recipe to suit your taste, pantry, and dietary preferences.

Serving Suggestions

This ditalini pasta recipe is not only creamy and flavorful, but it’s also incredibly adaptable when it comes to presentation. Whether you’re serving it as a comforting weeknight dinner or as a side dish for a special gathering, here are a few easy ideas to make your dish even more enjoyable.

1. Serve as a Main Course

Thanks to its rich cream sauce and savory depth, this pasta easily stands on its own as a satisfying entrée. Pair it with a simple green salad and a slice of garlic bread for a complete meal that’s cozy and balanced.

2. Pair with a Protein

To make it more filling, serve your pasta with a grilled chicken breast, sautéed shrimp, or seared Italian sausage on top. These proteins complement the creamy sauce and add variety in texture and flavor.

3. Light Side Dish Option

You can also serve this pasta as a side dish alongside a roast chicken, baked salmon. Its mild, creamy flavor pairs beautifully with bolder mains.

4. Add a Fresh Finishing Touch

Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, thyme, or basil for added freshness and a burst of color. Extra grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil also adds a final touch of richness.

5. Serve Family-Style

For gatherings, consider serving this pasta in a large serving bowl or skillet family-style at the table. It’s warm, inviting, and perfect for casual dinner parties or potlucks.

6. Add Crunch with a Side

Pair this creamy pasta with a side of crusty breadsticks, focaccia, or roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or zucchini. The contrast in textures enhances the meal experience.

Whether you enjoy it as a standalone dish or build a full meal around it, this ditalini pasta recipe is sure to deliver comfort and flavor in every bite.

Conclusion

This Unbelievably Tasty Ditalini Pasta Recipe proves that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and one pan, you can create a dish that’s rich, creamy, and full of comforting flavor. The short, tube-shaped ditalini pasta is ideal for soaking up sauces, making every bite satisfying and flavorful.

Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, impressing guests, or just craving a bowl of warm, cheesy goodness, this pasta checks every box. It’s easy to customize, quick to prepare, and endlessly satisfying—everything you want in a go-to recipe.

You don’t need to be an experienced cook to make this dish shine. Just follow the simple steps, add your favorite mix-ins if you like, and enjoy a pasta meal that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing. It’s recipes like these that turn everyday cooking into something a little more special.

Ditalini Pasta Recipe

Emily

Creamy, comforting, and quick—this Ditalini Pasta Recipe is a one-pan dish packed with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4 people

Calories 430 kcal

Ingredients

  

Core Ingredients:

• 1½ cups ditalini pasta – A small short tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce well and provides a satisfying bite.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and depth to the dish.
• 1 small yellow onion finely diced – Provides a sweet and savory base flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic minced – Enhances the aroma and adds a subtle kick.
• 1½ cups chicken broth or vegetable broth – Builds the savory flavor and creates a smooth base for the creamy sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Delivers a creamy velvety texture that coats the pasta beautifully.
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for a nutty salty finish.
• Salt and black pepper to taste – Essential seasonings to balance the overall flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional – Adds a mild heat that enhances the flavor without overpowering it.

Instructions

 

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

• Heat skillet over medium heat.
• Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the hot skillet and let it melt completely.
• Stir in the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant—be careful not to burn it.

Step 2: Toast the Pasta

• Add the dry ditalini pasta directly to the pan.
• Stir it with the onion and garlic mixture for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast the pasta. This step enhances its flavor and gives the dish more depth.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer

• Pour in the chicken broth and stir well.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Cover the skillet and let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
• Tip: If the pasta begins to stick or dry out before it’s fully cooked, add an extra splash of broth or water and continue simmering.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Cheese

• Reduce the heat to low.
• To create a smooth and creamy sauce, slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously.
• Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• Season the sauce to your liking with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you prefer a little heat).

Step 5: Customize Your Pasta (Optional)

• If you’re using add-ins like cooked sausage, shredded chicken, peas, or spinach, stir them in at this stage.
• Let everything simmer for another 2–3 minutes, just enough to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Remove the skillet from heat.
• Let the pasta sit for 1–2 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly.
• Spoon the pasta into bowls and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs on top before serving.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate):

• Calories: 430
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 390mg
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 13g

Keyword Creamy Pasta, Ditalini Pasta Recipe, Easy Pasta Dinner, One-Pan Pasta

FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making and serving this Ditalini Pasta Recipe, so you can cook with confidence and get the most from every bite.

This wraps up everything you need to know about preparing and enjoying this flavorful ditalini pasta recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started, this dish is a simple, satisfying way to enjoy pasta any night of the week.