Description
This creamy ditalini pasta recipe offers a rich and comforting Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender ditalini pasta is coated in a luscious homemade Parmesan cream sauce seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, creating a delightful meal that’s both easy to prepare and satisfying. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz ditalini pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ditalini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour with the butter and garlic, cooking for an additional minute while stirring continuously to form a smooth roux.
- Add Milk and Cream: Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream to the roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes until it begins to thicken.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir well until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked ditalini pasta into the sauce, stirring to coat all the pasta evenly.
- Simmer and Serve: Let the pasta and sauce simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes to heat through. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For added protein, stir in cooked chicken, crispy bacon, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
