Ditalini Pasta

This creamy Ditalini Pasta recipe is comfort food at its finest, featuring tender ditalini noodles smothered in a rich, velvety cheese sauce that’s full of flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or Sunday suppers, this easy pasta dish comes together quickly and delivers big on taste.

What is Ditalini Pasta?

Ditalini pasta may be small in size, but it sure packs a punch when it comes to flavor and versatility. Shaped like tiny tubes, like little thimbles, this classic Italian pasta is right at home in cozy, comforting dishes. You’ll often find it in hearty soups like minestrone or pasta e fagioli, where it soaks up all that savory goodness. It’s just as tasty tossed in a pasta salad or baked into a creamy casserole.

In this easy ditalini recipe it becomes a quick stovetop dish that can be topped with chicken, shrimp or served as a side dish with your favorite entrees. Whether you serve it as a main course or a hearty side, this cheesy ditalini pasta is sure to become a family favorite. It’s a simple meal that brings classic Italian comfort top the table with a Southern twist.

Ingredients to Make Ditalini Pasta Recipe

Checkout this quick list of ingredients to make cheesy Ditalini Pasta: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Pasta – Ditalini pasta is a small, tube-shaped pasta that holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Butter – Unsalted butter for richness.
• Liquid – Chicken stock for cooking the pasta.
• Cream – Heavy cream gives the cheese sauce a velvety texture.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic amps up the flavor.
• Cheese – Grated Parmesan cheese and shredded Asiago cheese.
• Spices – Salt and black pepper plus crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
• Fresh Herbs – Fresh thyme adds color and herby flavor.

How to Make the BEST Cheesy Ditalini Pasta Recipe

• Cook Garlic in Melted Butter – Melt butter in a large skillet, cook garlic until fragrant.
• Pasta – To the pan add the uncooked ditalini pasta. Stir to coat with the garlic-butter mixture. Add chicken broth; bring to a boil. 
• Simmer Pasta – Reduce heat to medium. Simmer per the cooking time inthe recipe until the pasta is tender and most of liquid has been absorbed.
• Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce – To the pan add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese and Asiago cheese. Stir to thoroughly combine and the cheese has melted.
• Add Seasonings – Season with salt and black pepper and add crushed pepper flakes to your taste.
• Serve immediately garnished with Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and fresh thyme or parsley.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Ditalini

• Large skillet. A deep skillet works best.
• Cheese grater for shredding the cheese.
• Garlic press or sharp knife and chopping board.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Large spoon for stirring.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Cheese – You can use Parmesan-Reggiano in place of Parmesan cheese.
• Pasta – This recipe is designed for ditalini but could be adapted using a similar small pasta.
• Butter – You could use olive oil in place of butter in a pinch, although butter gives this pasta the rich flavor we’re going for.
• Fresh Herbs – You can add fresh rosemary, oregano or parsley.
• Pesto – You could add a dollop of basil pesto or sundried tomato pesto to the ditalini to change the flavor profile of the sauce.
• Pine Nuts – You might enjoy roasted pine nuts sprinkled on top for texture.
• Vegetables – You could add sauteed mushrooms, bell peppers or a handful o spinach to the pasta.
• Protein – Enjoy as an entree topped with meatballs, grilled chicken or shrimp or as a side dish with meatloaf, chicken, pork chops or steak.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – You can store Ditalini in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat leftovers in individual servings in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat. You may need to add additional liquid to thin the sauce.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Easy Pasta Recipes to Make

• Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a tasty side dish option for picnics, burgers and grilling.
• You can fully assemble this Saucy Baked Penne one day in advance then pop it into the oven just before serving.
• Bright and flavorful Lemon Pasta.
• Cajun Chicken Pasta with Andouille is packed with flavor.
• This Cowboy Pasta Salad is hearty and filling.
• My recipe for Baked Pasta Bolognese is a family favorite.
• Add this quick and easy Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta to your side dish rotation.
• The family will LOVE my Chicken Parmesan Casserole for a busy day meal.
• Lasagna Pasta Skewers from 365 Days of Baking.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• 12-inch Skillet
• Knife and Chopping Board
• Measuring Set
• Cheese Grater