If you are on the hunt for a comforting yet elegant pasta dish to brighten up your dinner table, this Creamy Parmesan Ditalini Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. It features tender, bite-sized ditalini pasta enveloped in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce boasting the rich flavors of Parmesan and Italian seasoning. This recipe is a perfect blend of creamy, savory, and fresh elements that come together effortlessly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this dish quickly becomes a favorite go-to meal packed with warmth and satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients is key to whipping up this delicious pasta dish. Each item plays an important role in creating the smooth, flavorful, and colorful balance that makes this recipe shine.
- 8 oz ditalini pasta: Small tubular pasta perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce and providing great texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics gently for depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic infuses the sauce with a warm, fragrant essence that’s essential for Italian cooking.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion: Provides a sweet undertone and soft texture that complements the creaminess.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient, bringing nutty sharpness and creamy meltability.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Delivers a velvety, luscious base that coats every pasta piece perfectly.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Balances out the richness of the cream for a lighter but still indulgent texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs adding an aromatic hint that elevates the flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat to awaken the palate.
- Salt to taste: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously throughout the dish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or basil (optional): A fresh green garnish that brightens colors and adds a herbal note.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Ditalini Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the ditalini pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until just al dente—firm but tender enough to soak up the sauce. Be sure to reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining, as this liquid will help adjust the sauce’s consistency later on. Set the pasta aside once drained.
Step 2: Sauté the aromatics
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent, usually about 4 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it builds the foundation of flavor. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for a quick 30 seconds until the aroma fills your kitchen—don’t rush, as garlic burns easily!
Step 3: Create the creamy sauce
Lower the heat to ensure gentle cooking, then pour in the heavy cream and whole milk. Stir in Italian seasoning, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Let this mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep it smooth. The warmth will meld the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
Step 4: Add Parmesan cheese
Slowly incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet and stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes silky. This transformation is what makes the dish so wonderfully indulgent. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it just a bit, ensuring each pasta piece is coated beautifully.
Step 5: Combine pasta and sauce
Toss the cooked ditalini pasta into the cream sauce, mixing well to distribute the creamy, cheesy coating evenly. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed—this step personalizes the flavor to your liking. Finally, sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil if using, for a pop of freshness and color.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Ditalini Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil are delightful garnishes that instantly elevate the look and flavor of this pasta. For an extra touch, you could even shave a little more Parmesan on top just before serving, amplifying the cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
Think grilled chicken or roasted vegetables to accompany this creamy pasta for a well-rounded meal. The hearty protein balances the richness, while seasonal vegetables add crunch and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in rustic bowls with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a pinch of cracked black pepper for a restaurant-style presentation at home. For a fun twist, you might bake it briefly under a broiler to achieve a golden, bubbly crust on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy Parmesan ditalini pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool the pasta before refrigerating to preserve texture.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Note that the cream sauce may slightly separate upon thawing, so take care when reheating by stirring gently.
Reheating
Gently reheat the pasta on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to bring back the sauce’s creamy texture. Stir often to prevent scorching and ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ditalini is perfect for this Creamy Parmesan Ditalini Pasta Recipe due to its size and shape, you can substitute with elbow macaroni, small shells, or even penne if that’s what you have on hand.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes, swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or using whole milk alone can reduce fat content, although the sauce will be less rich. Another option is to reduce the amount of cheese slightly while still keeping the creamy texture.
Can I add vegetables or proteins to the dish?
Definitely! Adding cooked pancetta, bacon, peas, or cooked chicken pieces can enrich the dish with extra flavor and nutrients. Just fold them in during the final stages to blend well without overcooking.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Keep the heat low when working with cream and cheese, stirring constantly. Adding reserved pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, preventing it from breaking apart or becoming greasy.
Is this pasta recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as written. Just be sure to use vegetarian Parmesan if you want to strictly avoid animal rennet.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Parmesan Ditalini Pasta Recipe enough for anyone who loves soul-satisfying comfort food that comes together quickly and effortlessly. Its rich, velvety sauce paired with perfectly cooked pasta will leave everyone asking for seconds. So, grab your ingredients and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite pasta in the process!
Print
Creamy Parmesan Ditalini Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Ditalini Pasta is a comforting Italian-American dish featuring tender ditalini pasta tossed in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce infused with garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, this recipe comes together easily on the stovetop and can be customized with optional garnishes or additions like pancetta or peas.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz ditalini pasta
- salt (for boiling water, to taste)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- salt, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ditalini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare cream sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, whole milk, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Let the sauce gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to combine the flavors and slightly thicken.
- Add cheese and combine: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked ditalini pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it to your desired consistency.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the pasta and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Add cooked pancetta, bacon, or peas for extra flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables on the side.
