Best-Ever 15-Minute Creamy Ditalini Pasta Recipe | Your Ultimate Comfort Dish

You know that recipe that almost broke the internet? Yep creamy ditalini pasta is that dish.
It’s everywhere for a reason: ridiculously easy, wildly comforting, and basically a big, cozy hug in a bowl.

At its core, this ditalini pasta recipe calls for just a handful of pantry staples and about 15 minutes of your time. Simple ingredients, bold flavor — that’s the magic.

Of course, being me, I couldn’t leave it totally alone. I love throwing in a little chili crisp for some heat, extra cheese for peak creaminess, and chickpeas for that sneaky hit of protein. Trust me, it works.

If you’re all about cozy pasta vibes, you’ll definitely want to check out:

• Vegetarian Turkish Pasta
  
• Boursin Cheese Pasta
  
• Vegan Bacon Chickpeas
  
• Spicy Cucumber Salad with Chickpeas
  
• Smoky Vegan Chickpea Stew
  

Save those for later — but right now, let’s dive into the main event.

Ditalini Pasta Recipe

Course

Dinner, Lunch, Pasta

Keywords

chili crunch, garlic, parmesan, pasta, vegetable broth, ditalini pasta, ditalini pasta recipe, ditalini pasta recipes, ditalini recipe

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Total Time

15 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Calories

518 kcal per serving

This creamy ditalini pasta recipe is all about quick comfort food without the fuss. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a meal that feels like it took all afternoon. With pantry staples like vegetable broth, garlic, and parmesan, plus optional upgrades like chili crisp and chickpeas, this dish is endlessly customizable — and perfect for busy nights when you still want something that tastes homemade.

The portion makes enough for about four generous servings, ideal for a family dinner or meal prepping a few lunches. At 518 calories per serving, it’s hearty without being heavy, striking that sweet spot between indulgent and practical.

This ditalini pasta recipe also plays really well with different add-ins — a handful of spinach, roasted veggies, or even a spoonful of pesto could easily find a home here if you feel like mixing things up.

Whether you’re sticking to the classic or going all-in with the spicy chickpea version, this pasta is designed to be simple, satisfying, and seriously hard to mess up.

Ingredients

For the Original Creamy Ditalini Pasta:

3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil – good quality for best flavor

4 cloves Garlic, minced – fresh garlic gives the best punch

8 ounces Ditalini Pasta (about 2 cups) – small tube-shaped pasta, perfect for catching sauce

3 cups Vegetable Broth – use low-sodium if you want more control over seasoning

1/4 cup Cream or Milk – cream for richness, milk if you want it lighter

4 tablespoons Salted Butter – adds depth and a velvety finish

1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, finely grated – for that classic savory backbone

Salt and Black Pepper, to taste – always taste as you go

1/3 cup Chopped Parsley (optional garnish) – adds freshness and color

For the Chili Crisp Version (Optional Add-ins):

4 tablespoons Chili Crisp – for a spicy, umami-packed upgrade

1/4 cup Parmesan or Cheddar Cheese – cheddar brings a sharper, melty vibe

1 can Chickpeas, drained and rinsed – hearty, nutty, and packed with protein

Notes:

Make sure your garlic is finely minced so it cooks evenly and infuses the oil without burning.

Ditalini pasta cooks pretty fast because of its small size — keep an eye on it.

When adding chili crisp, start with a little and taste before adding more; some brands are spicier than others!

Instructions

Start by warming the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat until it looks shimmery
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about thirty seconds, just until it smells nice and fragrant, but be careful not to burn it because bitter garlic is not the move

Toss the ditalini pasta straight into the skillet with the garlic oil
Stir it around for about a minute so the pasta gets coated and starts to pick up a little toasted flavor

Pour in the vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper
Bring everything to a gentle simmer
Cover the skillet partially and let the pasta cook until it’s al dente, which should take about seven to eight minutes
Make sure to stir every so often so nothing sticks to the bottom

If it looks like the broth is drying up before the pasta is done, just add a splash more
You want the pasta to be creamy and silky, not swimming in liquid, unless you prefer it a little soupier

Once the pasta is tender, lower the heat
Stir in the cream or milk, the butter, and the parmesan cheese
Let it all melt together into a glossy, creamy sauce that wraps around every piece of pasta

If you’re feeling spicy, stir in some chili crisp
If you want to bulk it up a little, toss in the chickpeas
If you’re craving extra cheese, no judgment here, pile it on

Finish by scooping the pasta into bowls
Sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top if you like
Grab a fork and dig in

Notes

For a Soupier Version: Add 1/2 to 1 cup more broth.

For Extra Creaminess: Use heavy cream instead of milk.

Nutrition Info: Applies to the original creamy ditalini pasta recipe (without chili crisp or chickpeas).

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories come in at around 518 kcal, giving you a good, hearty meal without going overboard
Fat is about 24 grams, with 10 grams of that coming from saturated fat thanks to all that buttery, cheesy goodness
Carbohydrates hit about 58 grams, just right to keep things satisfying
You’ll get 3 grams of fiber and about 3 grams of natural sugar
Protein lands around 15 grams per serving, especially if you add in the chickpeas for that extra boost

FAQs About Ditalini Pasta

What is the closest pasta to ditalini
If you can’t track down ditalini pasta, small elbow macaroni or orzo are great substitutes
Both have a similar small size and will soak up the sauce just as nicely

What’s the difference between ditalini and ditali pasta
Ditali is a little bit larger and thicker than ditalini
Think of ditalini as the smaller, cuter baby version

Is this the TikTok viral ditalini pasta recipe
It’s definitely inspired by the viral trend, but with a few pro tweaks to make it even better
A little chili crisp, a little extra cheese, and you’re in business

How do you pronounce “ditalini”
It’s pronounced dee-tah-LEE-nee
Bonus points if you wave your hands around like a true Italian while you say it

Is ditalini the same as orzo
Not exactly
Orzo is shaped like grains of rice, while ditalini is a short tube
Different shapes mean a different feel in your mouth, but both are great depending on what you’re cooking

Conclusion

This creamy ditalini pasta recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to keep up your sleeve for crazy weeknights, slow weekends, or anytime you just need something warm and cozy on the table
It’s simple, it’s quick, and it feels like a little bowl of happiness every time you make it

Now get in the kitchen and make those ditalini pasta dreams happen