What Is Ditalini Pasta?
Let’s talk about the unsung hero of your pantry: ditalini pasta. These tiny, tube-shaped noodles—whose name literally means “little thimbles” in Italian—are small but seriously mighty. You’ll usually find them cozied up in soups like pasta e fagioli, but they’re also perfect in salads, casseroles, or any ditalini pasta recipe that calls for a bite-sized pasta with big personality. For a delicious twist, check out this Chicken Spaghetti Recipe with Rotel.
Ditalini is basically the pasta version of that friend who gets along with everyone. It scoops up sauces like a champ, adds just the right amount of chew, and blends beautifully into whatever dish you’re dreaming up. If you’re all about easy, cozy, no-fuss cooking, a ditalini pasta recipe might just be your new weeknight go-to. Learn more about it on Wikipedia.
So whether you’re making something hearty and comforting or light and fresh, don’t underestimate the power of the little pasta that could.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This ditalini pasta recipe is comfort food at its finest—easy to make, full of flavor, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re whipping it up on a busy weeknight or serving it to impress your dinner guests (with minimal effort, of course), this dish checks all the boxes.
Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:
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Quick and simple – It comes together fast, with no fancy steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
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Cozy and delicious – Every spoonful is packed with flavor and those perfectly chewy little pasta bites.
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Crowd-pleaser – Kids love it, adults love it, and even picky eaters usually ask for seconds.
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Customizable – Toss in veggies, swap the protein, or spice it up—this ditalini pasta recipe plays nice with whatever you’ve got in the fridge.
Basically, it’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To bring this cozy and flavorful ditalini pasta recipe to life, here’s everything you’ll need:
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1 cup ditalini pasta – The star of the show! These tiny tubes soak up all the goodness.
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1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing and a little added richness.
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1 small onion, diced – Adds a savory base of flavor.
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2 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better.
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1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes – Juicy and full of flavor.
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One 15-ounce can of white kidney beans (cannellini), drained and rinsed — Adds a smooth, creamy texture and a healthy boost of protein.
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2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth) – Helps create a flavorful broth for the pasta to simmer in.
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A cozy blend of herbs to tie it all together.
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Salt and black pepper, added to suit your taste — Adjust as needed to bring out the best flavor.
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Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping – Optional but highly recommended!
Optional Add-Ins
Want to jazz it up a bit? Go for it! Here are some fun mix-ins to make this dish your own:
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Chopped spinach or kale – Stir in at the end for extra greens.
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Cooked Italian sausage or pancetta – Adds a hearty, savory punch.
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Crushed red pepper flakes – For a little kick.
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Fresh basil or parsley – A sprinkle of fresh herbs makes everything feel fancy.
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A splash of cream – For a richer, creamier finish.
How to Make Ditalini Pasta
This ditalini pasta recipe is quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a tasty dish ready in no time. Here’s how to make it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Ditalini Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the ditalini pasta and cook according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Beans
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the rinsed cannellini beans. Allow them to cook for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
4. Pour in the Broth and Season
Add the vegetable broth and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5–10 minutes so the flavors have time to develop.
5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked ditalini pasta to the skillet with the sauce and give everything a good stir. Let it simmer together for another few minutes to ensure everything is well-coated and heated through.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the pasta into bowls, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese (if you like), and garnish with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley. Serve warm and savor your comforting ditalini pasta!
Tips for Best Results
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Don’t overcook the pasta – Ditalini should be al dente, so don’t cook it too long. It will continue to cook a bit once you add it to the sauce.
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Use good-quality broth – Whether you go for vegetable or chicken broth, make sure it’s flavorful. It’s a key component of this ditalini pasta recipe!
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Adjust the texture – If you like your pasta a bit soupy, add more broth. If you prefer a thicker, heartier dish, let it simmer a little longer to reduce.
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Season to taste – Be sure to taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
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Add some protein – This dish is great with some grilled chicken or sausage if you want to make it more filling.
Recipe Variations
This ditalini pasta recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to switch things up and get creative! Here are a couple of tasty variations to try when you’re in the mood for something different.
Ditalini Pasta Soup
If you’re craving a cozy, hearty soup, this ditalini pasta soup variation is perfect. Simply follow the basic recipe, but add extra broth (about 4 cups) and any veggies you’ve got on hand—carrots, celery, spinach, or zucchini all work great! Let everything simmer together until the veggies are tender, then stir in the cooked pasta and enjoy a steaming bowl of comfort.
You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan or a handful of fresh herbs for extra flavor. It’s like a hug in a bowl, and perfect for chilly evenings.
Ditalini with Tomato Sauce
For a simpler but still oh-so-delicious take, try this ditalini pasta recipe with a basic tomato sauce. After cooking your ditalini, toss it in a rich marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade—whatever you prefer!). You can mix in some sautéed garlic and onions, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick, and top it off with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil or mozzarella cheese. It’s a classic, but with those little ditalini pasta tubes, it’s even more fun to eat!
What to Serve with Ditalini Pasta
Now that you’ve mastered this delicious ditalini pasta recipe, you might be wondering: What should I serve alongside it to round out the meal? No worries—I’ve got you covered! Here are some ideas to make your pasta experience even more delightful.
1. Garlic Bread
You can’t go wrong with a warm, buttery slice of garlic bread on the side. It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce or broth from your ditalini pasta dish. Plus, it’s a crowd favorite every time!
2. Fresh Salad
A crisp, refreshing salad is the ideal complement to a hearty pasta dish. Try a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette or a Mediterranean-inspired salad with olives, cucumbers, and feta cheese. The freshness is a perfect contrast to the warmth of the pasta.
3. Grilled Chicken or Sausage
For a protein-packed addition, serve your ditalini pasta recipe with some grilled chicken or Italian sausage. These meats add a savory element and make the meal feel even more substantial.
4. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes add color and flavor to the meal. The caramelized edges of the veggies pair beautifully with the soft ditalini pasta, making for a well-rounded plate.
5. Cheese and Crackers
If you’re looking for something easy, a small cheese and cracker platter makes for a nice starter or side. A bit of Parmesan, some sharp cheddar, or even goat cheese pairs wonderfully with the comforting flavors of the pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about this ditalini pasta recipe? No worries! I’ve got answers to some of the most common ones right here:
1. Is it okay to use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ditalini is a perfect fit for this recipe, you can swap it for another small pasta like elbow macaroni, mini shells, or even orzo. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary depending on the pasta you choose.
2. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! This ditalini pasta recipe is great for meal prep. You can make it in advance, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat it when you’re ready to eat. Just keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the liquid, so you may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to get it back to the perfect consistency.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! If you have leftovers, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. When reheating, be sure to add a little extra broth to bring the dish back to life, as pasta tends to absorb the liquid when frozen.
4. Can I add meat to this ditalini pasta recipe?
Of course! If you’d like to add some protein, cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or even grilled chicken would be fantastic additions. Just stir it in when you combine the pasta and sauce for an extra boost of flavor.
5. What should I serve with this ditalini pasta recipe?
Great question! This pasta is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread, a crisp salad, or even some roasted veggies. Check out the “What to Serve with Ditalini Pasta” section above for more ideas!