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This Ditalini pasta recipe is among my favorite pasta meals for the middle of the week. My entire family enjoys it, and it requires minimal preparation. This dish made with rotini pasta, butter, all-purpose flour, milk, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
| Preperation time | Cooking Time | Total time | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
|
10 min |
20 min |
30 min |
4 |
Every component in creamy ditalini pasta recipe is essential for making a delicious and flavorful meal. The small tubular shape of ditalini pasta is ideal for holding the creamy sauce in each bite. Butter and flour come together to create a roux, which serves as the foundation for the silky sauce, while warm milk and optional heavy cream contribute to a rich, smooth texture. Garlic adds depth to the dish with its savory scent, while Parmesan and mozzarella cheese melt into the sauce, offering a great richness. Salt, pepper, and paprika enhance and balance the overall flavors. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end brightens the dish, contributing a touch of color and an aromatic finish.
The main ingredient, its small, tube-like shape holds the creamy sauce and ensures every bite is full of flavor.
It offers depth and acts as the foundation for making the roux that thickens the sauce.
Combines with butter to form a roux, giving the sauce its creamy, smooth texture.
It acts as the primary liquid for the sauce, creating a luscious, creamy base.
Adds extra indulgence, enhancing the dish’s luxurious texture and flavor.
Infuses the dish with a subtle savory aroma and depth of flavor.
Packs a salty, nutty tang that elevates the overall taste of the sauce.
Melts seamlessly into the sauce, contributing to its gooey, velvety consistency.
Essential for seasoning, these bring out the natural flavors of the dish.
Adds a touch of smokiness, giving the dish a hint of complexity.
Perfectly Sized Pasta: Ditalini’s tiny, cylindrical form is perfect for grasping sauces and broths, guaranteeing that each mouthful is full of flavor. Its small size also makes it enjoyable to eat, particularly for children.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is great for quick dinners and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. It is simple enough for beginners and delicious enough to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients. It is easy on your budget but still offers great flavor and quality.
Cook the Pasta: Boil 4 cups of water in a large pot and add salt for flavor. When the water is boiling, add the ditalini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it is firm but soft (al dente). After cooking, drain the pasta and save about ½ cup of the pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed. Set the cooked pasta aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour and stir to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in warm milk and cream, ensuring no lumps, and whisk for about 5 minutes until thickened. Lower the heat and stir in Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with black pepper, paprika (if desired), and salt to taste.
Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked ditalini pasta to the creamy sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta in bowls. Add fresh basil or parsley on top, and sprinkle more Parmesan cheese. Serve right away and enjoy as everyone digs into this creamy dish.
You can mix both ditalini pasta and Caramelized Onion Pasta for a better flavour.
Yes! Ditalini is great for soaking up the creamy sauce, but you can use elbow macaroni, penne, or shells instead.
You can thicken your dish using cornstarch, arrowroot, or gluten-free flour.
It’s best to eat it fresh, but you can keep it in a sealed container in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, defrost it in the refrigerator and warm it up with a little milk to bring back its creaminess.
I followed the instructions exactly, and it was perfect! Tastes amazing.
This turned out perfect! Even better than I imagined. Will make again
Full of flavor and so comforting! It’s now in my top 5 favorite meals.
Restaurant-quality dish at home! Highly recommend this recipe.
I was skeptical at first, but wow—this exceeded my expectations!
I love how easy and quick this recipe is! Perfect for busy weeknights.
Simple ingredients, yet an incredible taste. Definitely saving this one!
I tried this for the first time, and my family is already asking me to make it again!
This was a hit at dinner! So easy to make and packed with flavor.
Great for everyone
