Description
A rich and velvety creamy ditalini pasta recipe that combines tender ditalini pasta with a luscious garlic and onion-infused cream sauce, enhanced by Parmesan and optional mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a comforting and quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb (450g) ditalini pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Sauté Onion: While the pasta cooks, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, ensuring the onion releases its natural sweetness.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic to maintain a pleasant aroma and flavor.
- Make Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream and whole milk. Stir to combine the ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. For extra creaminess, add the grated mozzarella cheese at this point and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked ditalini pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat every piece of pasta with the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy ditalini pasta immediately while warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese is optional but adds extra creaminess.
- Do not overcook pasta to maintain texture in the final dish.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright color and subtle freshness as garnish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
