Description
Few dishes offer the same warmth and versatility as ditalini pasta. Whether incorporated into a cozy soup, a refreshing salad, or a rich, creamy sauce, ditalini’s small, tube-shaped form makes it a favorite in Italian cuisine. Its ability to absorb flavors while maintaining a firm texture makes it a must-have ingredient in many kitchens.
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients
- 2 cups ditalini pasta – Any brand works
- 2 tbsp olive oil – Extra virgin for best flavor
- 3 cloves garlic – Minced
- 1 small onion – Diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth – Adjust to preference
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes – Use fresh if preferred
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese – Grated
- 2 tbsp fresh basil – Chopped
- Salt & pepper – To taste
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
✔ Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a slight kick
✔ Lemon Zest – Enhances brightness
✔ Italian Sausage – Adds protein and depth of flavor
✔ Spinach or Kale – A great way to include more greens
Instructions
1. Cook the Ditalini Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add ditalini pasta and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes:
- For al dente: Cook for 8 minutes.
- For a softer bite (soups, salads): Cook for 10 minutes.
- Drain but do not rinse (unless using in a cold salad).
📌 Pro Tip: Taste a piece one minute before the recommended cooking time to prevent overcooking.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and diced onions, cooking until fragrant and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
📌 Pro Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add Tomatoes and Broth
- Stir in diced tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- For a thicker sauce: Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes.
- For a soup-like consistency: Add an extra cup of broth.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked ditalini pasta to the skillet.
- Stir to ensure the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Let everything simmer together for an additional 3-4 minutes so the pasta absorbs the flavors.
- Adjust seasoning as needed.
📌 Pro Tip: Stir gently to prevent breaking the pasta.
Notes
1. Creamy Ditalini with Cheese Sauce
For a rich and indulgent dish, toss ditalini in a sauce made with:
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan and mozzarella cheese
- A pinch of nutmeg
📌 Why It Works: The hollow shape of ditalini allows the cheese sauce to coat every piece, ensuring each bite is creamy and flavorful.
2. Ditalini Pasta Salad
For a light and refreshing option, make a Mediterranean-inspired ditalini pasta salad with:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Feta cheese
- A drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice
📌 Perfect for: Summer gatherings, potlucks, or a quick lunch.
3. Ditalini Soup with Hearty Ingredients
A popular way to enjoy ditalini pasta is in soups, such as:
- Minestrone – A classic Italian vegetable soup.
- Pasta e Fagioli – A traditional pasta and bean soup.
- Chicken broth-based soups – Light and comforting.
📌 Cooking Tip: If adding ditalini to soups, cook it separately and stir it in just before serving to maintain its texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Fat: ~12g
- Carbohydrates: ~42g
- Protein: ~10g