Save 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 became a family favorite on busy nights because it combines simple ingredients with big flavor.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 200 g (about 7 oz) ditalini pasta
- Dairy: 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- Aromatics: 3 large cloves garlic, finely minced
Instructions
- Boil pasta:
- 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.
- Sauté garlic:
- While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and gently sauté for 1 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Toss pasta:
- 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.
- Season and serve:
- Taste and season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately optionally garnished with parsley or grated parmesan (not included in original ingredients).
Save This dish reminds me of simple family dinners where everyone gathered around the table eager for a comforting meal.
Required Tools
Large pot Colander Large skillet Wooden spoon or spatula Chefs knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten) Dairy (butter) Ensure the butter is free from additives if you have sensitivities Always check pasta labels for allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 420 Total Fat 18 g Carbohydrates 57 g Protein 9 g per serving
Save This simple pasta is sure to become a staple in your kitchen because of its ease and rich flavor.
Kitchen Guide
- → Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes, small shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells can replace ditalini while maintaining similar texture and sauce coating.
- → How do I prevent garlic from browning?
Sauté garlic over medium-low heat and stir frequently to release flavor without burning, which can cause bitterness.
- → What can enhance the flavor?
Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing garlic adds subtle heat and complexity to the dish.
- → Can I substitute butter for a plant-based alternative?
Yes, plant-based butter works well to create a similar creamy texture and flavor for those avoiding dairy.
- → How do I achieve a silky sauce consistency?
Add reserved pasta cooking water gradually to the butter and garlic mixture, stirring to emulsify and coat the pasta evenly.