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.
I first served this to my family on a busy weeknight and everyone loved how simple yet satisfying 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 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 1 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).
Save This dish always brings my family together for a quick meal full of warmth and comfort.
Optional Variations
For extra flavor add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic or swap ditalini for other small pasta shapes if needed.
Dietary Tips
To make it vegan use plant-based butter and check that pasta contains no eggs or dairy derivatives.
Serving Suggestions
Serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley or grated parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Save This simple recipe is perfect for anyone craving comfort food in under 20 minutes.
Cooking Questions & Answers
- → Can I use other pasta shapes instead of ditalini?
Yes, small pastas like elbow macaroni or small shells can work well, maintaining a similar texture and cooking time.
- → How do I prevent garlic from burning when sautéing?
Cook garlic over medium-low heat and stir frequently until fragrant and soft, avoiding browning to ensure a mellow flavor.
- → What can I use to substitute butter for a vegan option?
Plant-based butter or olive oil can be used to maintain the richness and help sauté the garlic.
- → Is reserving pasta water necessary?
Yes, adding reserved pasta water helps create a silky sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- → Can I add spices to enhance the flavor?
Red pepper flakes or freshly cracked black pepper are great additions to add mild heat and complexity.