If you love creamy pasta but want something that tastes a little “chef-y” without extra work, this Creamy Miso Garlic Ditalini is it. Thin-sliced garlic gets lightly golden in olive oil (hello, crunchy topping!), then ditalini toasts for a minute before simmering in broth and cream until perfectly saucy. A spoonful of white miso melts in for subtle umami depth, and a shower of Pecorino (or Parmesan) makes it rich, glossy, and totally craveable. It’s a cozy weeknight dinner that feels fancy, and it comes together in one skillet with pantry staples.
table of contents
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients List
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 8 oz ditalini
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream (plus more as needed)
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, divided (plus more as needed)
- 1 tbsp white miso paste
- 2 oz Pecorino Romano or Parmesan, finely grated (about 1 cup), plus more for serving
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tsp thinly sliced chives
Optional: Parmesan/Pecorino rind for simmering (extra flavor)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Medium high-sided skillet
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels + plate
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Microplane/grater
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Crisp the garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and stir often 3–4 minutes until lightly golden (watch closely). Scoop garlic onto paper towels with a slotted spoon.
- Reduce the oil: Carefully pour off about half the oil (leave enough to coat the pan).
- Toast the pasta: Add ditalini, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir 1–2 minutes until the pasta smells toasty. 😊
- Simmer into a sauce: Pour in heavy cream + 1½ cups broth (and rind if using). Stir often and simmer 8–10 minutes until it starts to thicken.
- Add miso: Whisk miso with a splash of warm broth in a small cup (helps it dissolve), then stir it into the pan. Add remaining ½ cup broth and cook 6–8 minutes, stirring, until creamy and thick. 🍝✨
- Finish rich: Remove from heat. Stir in grated cheese and butter until melted and glossy.
- Adjust texture: Too thick? Add a splash more broth or cream until silky.
- Serve: Top with crispy garlic, chives, and extra cheese. 😋
Pro Tips
- Garlic rule: The second it turns pale gold, pull it—garlic can burn fast.
- Extra glossy sauce: Stir often while simmering to keep pasta from sticking.
- Miso swap: White miso is mild. If using darker miso, start with 2 tsp.
- Add-ins: Stir in spinach at the end, or top with roasted mushrooms for a heartier meal.
Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 610 | 16g | 48g | 39g | 3g | 4g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Creamy Miso Garlic Ditalini
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and cook 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until lightly golden. Transfer garlic to paper towels with a slotted spoon.
- Carefully pour off about half the oil, leaving enough to coat the pan.
- Add ditalini, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir 1–2 minutes until pasta smells toasty.
- Add heavy cream and 1 1/2 cups broth (and cheese rind if using). Simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until thickening.
- Dissolve miso with a splash of warm broth, then stir into the pan. Add remaining 1/2 cup broth and cook 6–8 minutes until very creamy and thick.
- Remove from heat. Stir in grated cheese and butter until melted and glossy.
- If sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth or cream. Serve topped with crispy garlic, chives, and extra cheese.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
This Creamy Miso Garlic Ditalini is cozy, rich, and surprisingly easy. The crispy garlic topping makes it feel special, while the one-pan method keeps cleanup simple.