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.
This dish quickly became a favorite in my household because of its simplicity and comforting taste.
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 My family always asks for seconds of this comforting pasta, especially on busy weeknights.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic. To make it vegan, substitute butter with plant-based alternatives.
Required Tools
Large pot, colander, large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, chefs knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter). Always check pasta labels to avoid allergens and ensure butter is additive-free if needed.
Save This simple dish is perfect as a quick meal or a delicious side anytime you want comfort food fast.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Ditalini pasta works best due to its small, tube-like shape that holds sauce well, but similar small pasta shapes can be substituted.
- → How should the garlic be prepared?
Garlic is finely minced and gently sautéed in butter over medium-low heat until fragrant but not browned to release its aroma without bitterness.
- → Can I adjust the butter quantity?
Yes, the butter amount can be modified to suit personal taste or dietary preferences, keeping the silkiness and richness balanced.
- → What is the purpose of reserving pasta water?
Adding reserved pasta water helps create a silky sauce by loosening the butter and garlic mixture so it clings evenly to the pasta.
- → Are there optional flavor additions?
A pinch of red pepper flakes can be added when sautéing garlic for subtle heat, or parsley and grated parmesan can be used as garnishes.