Pin 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.
I first served this to my family on a busy weeknight and everyone loved how effortlessly delicious it was.
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 denti 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 1 to 2 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 (not included in original ingredients)
Pin This dish always brings smiles to our family dinner table especially when served with freshly grated parmesan
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
Pin Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish that comes together in under 20 minutes and satisfies every time
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use other pasta types instead of ditalini?
Yes, small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells can be used as a substitute while maintaining similar texture and sauce coating.
- → How can I enhance the flavor of this dish?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic to introduce a subtle spicy kick and deepen the flavor profile.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Replace the butter with plant-based alternatives to create a vegan-friendly version without compromising on richness.
- → What is the purpose of reserving pasta cooking water?
Reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and adds a silky texture by blending starch from the pasta into the butter and garlic mixture.
- → How do I prevent garlic from burning when sautéing?
Sauté garlic over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and removing from heat as soon as it becomes fragrant to avoid bitterness caused by browning.