Dinner

Creamy Garlic Butter Ditalini Recipe

ByJack Voss January 11, 2026January 11, 2026

Introduction

This Creamy Garlic Butter Ditalini is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish that’s quick to prepare. The rich garlic butter sauce, combined with Parmesan and a touch of cream, coats the tender Ditalini perfectly. Ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or when you need a simple yet satisfying meal.

The image shows a white bowl filled with small shell pasta coated lightly in a creamy, pale yellow sauce. The pasta shells are scattered unevenly with some overlapping, creating a textured, layered look. On top, there are thin shavings of pale cheese, roughly grated, and small pieces of chopped green parsley evenly sprinkled, adding fresh color contrast. Tiny black pepper specks are scattered across the pasta, complementing the creamy texture. The bowl is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

10.5 oz ditalini pasta
8 cups water
1 tablespoon salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Zest of ½ lemon (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ditalini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Step 2: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and reserved pasta water, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Add the cooked ditalini to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Step 5: Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt into the skillet. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon zest if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and cream with plant-based alternatives.
Add cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and heartiness.
If you prefer a sharper garlic flavor, lightly crush the garlic before mincing.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving directly to preserve the creamy texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a white plate filled with one layer of small shell-shaped pasta coated in a light, creamy sauce. The pasta is sprinkled with finely grated cheese, black pepper, and scattered fresh green parsley leaves, adding pops of color and texture. The white marbled surface below the plate creates a simple and clean background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni, shells, or small penne will work well with the creamy garlic butter sauce.

How can I make this dish more flavorful?

Adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor. Using high-quality Parmesan also makes a big difference.