If you’re craving the kind of comfort food that’s creamy, cozy, and impossible to stop eating, look no further than Creamy Ditalini Pasta. This dish wraps each little tube of pasta in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce and finishes with pops of spinach and aromatic basil. It’s not only a dream for busy weeknights, but also the perfect reason to gather around the table with family or surprise your friends with something deliciously different. Creamy Ditalini Pasta is a sure-fire crowd pleaser that feels both special and simple at the same time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of ingredients come together to create pure magic. Each one plays an important role, bringing flavor, richness, or a splash of color that sets this Creamy Ditalini Pasta apart as a true comfort classic.
- Ditalini pasta: These tender, little pasta tubes soak up the creamy sauce in every bite, making each forkful extra satisfying.
- Unsalted butter: Adds depth and a silky texture to your sauce base.
- Olive oil: Balances the richness of butter and gives your sautéed veggies a lovely Mediterranean note.
- Garlic: Provides the mouthwatering aroma and a punch of flavor that builds the sauce’s base.
- Onion: Softens in the pan and brings an essential sweetness to round out the flavors.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A small dash gives a gentle, warming heat that livens up the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: The backbone of the sauce—so rich and smooth, you’ll want to lick the bowl.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Brightens up the cream with savory depth and keeps the sauce light on the palate.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh, it melts beautifully and brings a nutty, salty finish.
- Salt: Pulls all the flavors together and brings pasta and sauce into perfect balance.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right touch of savory, earthy bite.
- Italian seasoning: The classic herb blend that infuses the sauce with unmistakable Italian flair.
- Fresh spinach: Wilts into the sauce, adding color, nutrients, and a subtle freshness.
- Fresh basil: Chopped and stirred in at the end, basil gives every serving that bright, summery aroma.
- Extra Parmesan for serving: A must for cheese lovers and a wonderful finishing touch.
How to Make Creamy Ditalini Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your ditalini pasta. Cook it just until al dente, following the package instructions—you want it to have a little bite, as it’ll soak in more flavor later. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining, as this will help you adjust the consistency of your Creamy Ditalini Pasta sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter with olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic, diced onion, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you love a gentle tingle of heat. Stir gently, letting the garlic and onion soften and unlock their fragrances—your kitchen will smell absolutely divine!
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and add the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine everything smoothly. Allow this mixture to come to a gentle simmer, not a rapid boil, so it thickens slightly while keeping its lush texture. After about five minutes, you’ll notice the sauce takes on a beautifully silky appearance, which is exactly what you want for your Creamy Ditalini Pasta.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheese and Seasonings
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning right into your simmering cream sauce. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce turns shiny and smooth. This is where the magic happens—the flavors meld and you’ll start to see that irresistible, creamy texture form.
Step 5: Bring Everything Together
Add your cooked ditalini pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat every piece with the luxurious sauce. Gradually stir in splashes of your reserved pasta water as needed; this step ensures the sauce is perfectly creamy and clings to the pasta in every bite. The pasta will soak up some of the sauce, so don’t be shy with the pasta water if it looks a little thick!
Step 6: Add Spinach and Basil
Right before serving, stir in the chopped spinach and fresh basil—the heat from the pasta and sauce will wilt them just right, preserving both their color and their summery flavor. Give everything one final toss, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Your Creamy Ditalini Pasta is ready for its grand entrance at the table!
How to Serve Creamy Ditalini Pasta
Garnishes
The final touch makes all the difference! A fresh shower of extra grated Parmesan, a scattering of ribboned basil, or even a crack of fresh black pepper can turn your bowl of Creamy Ditalini Pasta from great to unforgettable. For those who love a bit of richness, a drizzle of good olive oil is also heavenly.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully versatile, so you can keep sides simple or treat yourself to a little decadence. Garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or even roasted veggies are perfect—each adds a welcome crunch or freshness that balances out the ultra-creamy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve your Creamy Ditalini Pasta in shallow bowls for a rustic, bistro feel or in tiny ramekins for a party appetizer. For family-style dining, pile it high in a big, beautiful serving dish and garnish generously. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or crispy prosciutto bits can take the visual (and flavor) wow factor up another notch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers? Lucky you! Store your Creamy Ditalini Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, and the sauce stays deliciously rich, though it may thicken a bit more as it cools.
Freezing
While creamy pasta sauces often change texture after freezing, you can still freeze Creamy Ditalini Pasta if needed. Place cooled pasta in a single layer in a freezer-safe container and use within 1 month. For best results, thaw in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pasta in a saucepan with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. You can also microwave it on medium power, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through. Just add a little extra liquid if the sauce looks too thick—the creamy goodness comes right back!
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! While ditalini is perfect for holding onto this creamy sauce, other short pastas such as elbow macaroni, small shells, or even penne will work beautifully. Just be sure to cook them al dente and save some pasta water for the sauce.
Is there a lighter version of Creamy Ditalini Pasta?
If you’re after a lighter twist, swap in half-and-half for some or all of the heavy cream, and use less cheese if you wish. You’ll still get a lovely, rich texture, though the dish may be a touch less decadent.
Can I add protein to make it a heartier meal?
Yes! Creamy Ditalini Pasta is the perfect canvas for add-ins like sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or cooked Italian sausage. Simply add your protein of choice when tossing everything together at the end.
How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?
If your sauce seems thicker than you’d like, just add reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your ideal creaminess. The starch in the pasta water helps everything come together smoothly.
What if I don’t have fresh spinach or basil?
No worries! You can use frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) in a pinch, or substitute a pinch of dried basil. If you’re missing both, the pasta is still delicious—so don’t let missing greens hold you back.
Final Thoughts
Nothing brings people together like a big bowl of Creamy Ditalini Pasta, and I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try. With its rich, garlicky sauce, tender pasta, and beautiful pops of green, it’s a dish that comforts from the first bite to the last. Let yourself savor every spoonful—you just might find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
Print
Creamy Ditalini Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this delightful Creamy Ditalini Pasta. With a luscious sauce that coats each piece of pasta perfectly, this Italian-inspired dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces ditalini pasta
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil ditalini pasta until al dente, then drain, reserving some pasta water.
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes. Add cream and broth, simmer, then add Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, adding pasta water if needed. Stir in spinach and basil.
- Serve: Top with extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- For added protein, consider incorporating cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage.
- To reduce calories, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Pair with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
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