Save to Pinterest A simple comforting pasta dish featuring tender ditalini tossed with aromatic garlic and rich creamy butter Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or as a flavorful side
This recipe has become a go-to for busy evenings when I want something comforting yet effortless
Ingredients
- Pasta: 200 g (about 7 oz) ditalini pasta
- Dairy: 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- Aromatics: 3 large cloves garlic, finely minced
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Add ditalini and cook according to package instructions until al dente Reserve ¼ cup of pasta cooking water then drain pasta
- Step 2:
- While pasta cooks melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat Add minced garlic and gently sauté for 12 minutes until fragrant but not browned
- Step 3:
- Add cooked ditalini to the skillet with garlic butter Toss well to coat adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce
- Step 4:
- Taste and season with salt and pepper if desired Serve immediately optionally garnished with parsley or grated parmesan
Save to Pinterest My family loves gathering around the table to enjoy this comforting pasta after a long day
Notes
For extra flavor add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic Swap ditalini for other small pasta shapes if needed To make it vegan use plant-based butter
Required Tools
Large pot Colander Large skillet Wooden spoon or spatula Chefs knife and cutting board
Nutritional Information
Calories 420 Total Fat 18 g Carbohydrates 57 g Protein 9 g
Save to Pinterest This simple dish combines few ingredients into a delicious comforting meal perfect any night
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent garlic from burning?
Sauté garlic over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and removing it from heat as soon as it turns fragrant and lightly golden.
- → Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes, small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells can be substituted for ditalini with similar results.
- → What can enhance the flavor?
Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic adds a subtle spicy kick to the dish.
- → Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter alternatives to make the dish suitable for dairy-free diets without sacrificing richness.
- → Why add reserved pasta water to the sauce?
The reserved cooking water helps loosen the sauce, allowing it to better coat the pasta with a silky texture.