Dinner

Creamy Ditalini Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe

Name: Creamy Ditalini Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 teaspoons minced garlic (about 3 cloves); 8 ounces dry ditalini pasta (1 ½ cups); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup half and half; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan; 3 tablespoons salted butter; fresh parsley (for garnish)

ByMariam Harutyunyan April 8, 2026April 8, 2026

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Introduction

This creamy ditalini pasta dish is a comforting and easy meal that comes together in one skillet. With tender pasta cooked in savory broth and a touch of garlic, it’s finished with Parmesan and butter for a rich, satisfying flavor.

A large white pot filled with creamy macaroni pasta coated in a light yellow cheese sauce. The top layer is sprinkled with shredded white cheese and small bits of chopped green herbs, with a light sprinkle of ground black pepper for texture. The creamy pasta has a soft, smooth texture and is evenly spread inside the pot, which is sitting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 teaspoons minced garlic (about 3 cloves)

8 ounces dry ditalini pasta (1 ½ cups)
2 cups chicken broth

1 cup half and half
½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
3 tablespoons salted butter

Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
Step 2: Add the dry ditalini pasta, chicken broth, half and half, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 3: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the skillet. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan and butter until melted and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, and substitute the Parmesan with a plant-based cheese if desired.
Add cooked vegetables like peas or spinach in the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
For a richer dish, substitute half and half with heavy cream.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce and keep the pasta creamy.

How to Serve

A large white bowl filled with small, tube-shaped pasta coated in a creamy white sauce. The pasta is sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and black pepper, giving small pops of color over the pale dish. A gold spoon rests inside the bowl, partially covered in the sauce and pasta. Around the bowl, there is a peeled garlic clove on the white marbled surface and a white bowl with shredded cheese in the top right corner. A yellow and white striped cloth napkin is placed to the left side of the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of ditalini?

Yes, small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, small shells, or mini penne work well in this recipe and will cook similarly.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, use a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk instead of half and half, omit the butter, and choose a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.