Save to Pinterest 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 dish became a family favorite on busy weeknights when I needed something satisfying but fast to make.
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.
Save to Pinterest My family always gathers around this dish on busy nights and enjoys its comforting simplicity together.
Variations
Try adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or swap the ditalini for any small pasta shape you have on hand.
Dietary Adjustments
To make this dish vegan, simply use plant-based butter instead of unsalted butter.
Serving Suggestions
Garnish with fresh parsley or grated parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor and color.
Save to Pinterest This recipe delivers a perfect balance of buttery richness and garlic aroma perfect for any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → What pasta can I use instead of ditalini?
Small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, orzo, or small shells work well as substitutes, maintaining similar texture and cooking time.
- → How do I avoid burning the garlic when sautéing?
Cook the garlic on medium-low heat and stir frequently, just until fragrant and lightly softened, usually 1-2 minutes.
- → Can I make this dish vegan-friendly?
Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative to keep it dairy-free while preserving richness.
- → What is the purpose of reserving pasta cooking water?
The starchy pasta water helps create a silky sauce when added to the butter and garlic, enhancing coating and flavor.
- → How can I add more flavor to this dish?
Consider adding red pepper flakes while sautéing garlic or garnishing with fresh parsley or grated parmesan for extra depth.