Butter Garlic Ditalini Pasta

Featured in: Fresh Pasta Creations

This dish combines tender ditalini pasta with melted butter and minced garlic, sautéed gently to release aromatic flavors. The pasta water is added to create a silky sauce that coats each piece evenly. It’s a comforting, easily prepared meal perfect for busy nights or as a side. Seasoned simply with salt and pepper, it can be enhanced with red pepper flakes or fresh herbs for extra depth.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 13:41:00 GMT
Creamy garlic butter coats perfectly cooked ditalini pasta in this easy comfort food recipe. Pin
Creamy garlic butter coats perfectly cooked ditalini pasta in this easy comfort food recipe. | toastybasil.com

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

I often make this dish when I need something satisfying yet simple My family loves its buttery garlic taste and it always disappears fast

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 12 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
Golden, buttery ditalini pasta with fragrant garlic, a simple and satisfying Italian-inspired meal. Pin
Golden, buttery ditalini pasta with fragrant garlic, a simple and satisfying Italian-inspired meal. | toastybasil.com

This dish always brings my family together for a cozy meal after busy days

Notes

For extra flavor add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic Swap ditalini for other small pasta shapes if needed To make it vegan use plant-based butter

Required Tools

Large pot Colander Large skillet Wooden spoon or spatula Chefs knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten) Dairy (butter) Ensure the butter is free from additives if you have sensitivities Always check pasta labels for allergens

A close-up of steaming ditalini, glistening with butter and garlic, ready to be enjoyed. Pin
A close-up of steaming ditalini, glistening with butter and garlic, ready to be enjoyed. | toastybasil.com

This simple butter and garlic ditalini is a perfect quick meal that never fails to satisfy

Butter Garlic Ditalini Pasta

Quick pasta with ditalini, butter, and garlic creates a creamy, flavorful meal for any occasion.

Prep duration
5 min
Cooking duration
15 min
Complete duration
20 min


Skill level Easy

Origin Italian-inspired

Yield 2 Portions

Dietary specifications Vegetarian

Components

Pasta

01 7 ounces ditalini pasta

Dairy

01 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Aromatics

01 3 large garlic cloves, finely minced

Directions

Step 01

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ditalini and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta cooking water and drain the pasta.

Step 02

Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 03

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add drained pasta to the skillet with garlic butter. Toss thoroughly to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.

Step 04

Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately.

Necessary tools

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Chef's knife and cutting board

Allergy information

Review each component for possible allergens and if uncertain, we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter). Verify butter and pasta labels for additives or allergens.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Carbs: 57 g
  • Protein: 9 g