While larger pasta shapes get most of the attention, it’s time to give ditalini its due. This small, tube-shaped pasta is a hidden gem, offering endless possibilities for soups, salads, and more. From classic combinations like Fagioli and minestrone to creative twists on traditional recipes, we’re excited to share our top picks for the best ditalini pasta dishes out there. But that’s not all – we’ll also be providing expert tips on how to cook ditalini to perfection.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting to experiment with new ingredients, this versatile pasta is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. And let’s not forget its many advantages over other shapes like penne and rotini – for instance, it’s the perfect addition to pasta salads when you want just a hint of pasta bite. So what makes ditalini so special? Simply put, it’s the ideal shape for dishes where you want the pasta to meld seamlessly with other ingredients.
Whether you’re serving it up in a hearty soup or adding it to a fresh green salad, this little pasta packs a big punch.
Here are some tips and tricks to help you cook ditalini pasta to perfection:
When cooking ditalini pasta, it’s essential to start by salting the water generously. This step not only seasons the pasta but also enhances its flavor. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water. Next, use a large pot filled with plenty of water to ensure the pasta has enough room to cook evenly and prevent sticking. As you cook the pasta, be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot.
When cooking ditalini, follow the package directions for recommended cooking time, which usually ranges from 8-12 minutes. Start testing for doneness a minute or two before the suggested time to avoid overcooking. To check if the pasta is cooked al dente (tender but still firm to the bite), remove a piece from the pot, let it cool slightly, and taste. The pasta should have a slight resistance when bitten. Before draining the cooked pasta, reserve a cup of the pasta water.
This starchy water can be used to adjust the consistency of your sauce, help it cling to the pasta, or add moisture to the dish. Avoid rinsing the pasta after draining, as this removes the starch that helps the sauce adhere to the pasta. The only exception is if you’re using the pasta in a cold salad, in which case rinsing can prevent sticking. Once drained, combine the pasta with your chosen sauce as soon as possible to ensure even distribution and absorption of flavors.
If you’re using ditalini in a soup, you can cook the pasta directly in the broth, which will infuse it with the soup’s flavor and thicken the soup slightly due to the released starch. When storing leftovers, keep cooked ditalini pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little bit of water or sauce to prevent drying out.
Ditalini is an excellent choice for any pasta dish, from soup to salad, baked goods, or covered with rich sauces. Its small size makes it cook quickly, making it perfect for busy days when you need a filling home-cooked meal.
Best Ditalini Pasta Recipes
Sicilian Chicken Soup
Kickstarting this culinary journey is a hearty, comforting chicken soup recipe that’s sure to lift your spirits. The quintessential comfort food, this rustic dish showcases the beauty of simplicity, coaxing out the rich flavors from humble ingredients like tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and an aromatic blend of herbs and spices. The star of the show is undoubtedly the chicken, which lends a satisfying, meaty quality that’s simply irresistible.
nThe addition of juicy tomato adds a delightful depth of umami flavor, subtly sweet notes, and a pop of vibrancy to the dish.
nTo strike the perfect balance of flavors, be sure to use low-sodium chicken stock as your base. If you’re feeling adventurous, whip up some homemade stock or broth for an extra layer of authenticity. Alternatively, you can rely on store-bought vegetable broth, bouillon cubes, or any other suitable substitute.
Cacio E Pepe Pasta Risotto
In an unconventional twist, this creamy and satisfying dish defies traditional risotto expectations by swapping out rice for something entirely new. The result is a harmonious fusion of flavors that will leave you craving more.
The star of the show here is Cacio E Pepe – a masterful blend of cheese and pepper that packs a punch. By cooking the pasta in the same pan as the other ingredients, the dish takes on a rich, risotto-inspired depth.
A perfect balance is struck between the luxurious butter-and-olive-oil sauce and the subtle warmth of cracked black pepper. The addition of tangy pecorino romano cheese, melted to perfection, brings everything together in a delightful harmony.
And let’s not forget the wine – a cup of it adds just the right amount of acidity to cut through all that richness and leave you wanting more.
Ditalini Pasta Salad
Imagine serving this vibrant salad at an afternoon garden party – it’s the perfect dish to impress your guests! The star of the show are the crisp summer vegetables, which add a refreshing crunch to each bite. When combined with al dente pasta, creamy avocados, and soft mozzarella cheese pearls, the textures meld together in harmony. A tangy mix of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard brings all the ingredients together in perfect balance.
What’s more, this recipe is incredibly adaptable – feel free to make it your own by substituting your favorite fresh vegetables or adding some protein for extra satisfaction.
Sweet Baby Pea Ditalini Pasta
The charm of this dish lies in its simplicity – a perfect recipe for beginners. With just a few ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering combination that will have everyone asking for seconds. The key is to cook your pasta until it reaches the perfect al dente texture, then simultaneously prepare the garlic butter and pea sauce. While the peas are quickly microwaving to tender perfection, take the opportunity to melt some butter and sauté crushed garlic and red pepper flakes.
The result is a delightful harmony of textures, with baby peas offering an irresistible softness and the rich flavors of garlic butter and sweet peas. If you like a little heat in your dish, the red peppers will add just the right amount – though feel free to omit them if you prefer a milder taste. And let’s be honest, everything is indeed better with butter!
Classic Italian Minestrone Soup
Minestrone, an Italian staple, is a one-pot wonder that’s packed with vibrant vegetables. The secret to its flavor lies in the timing of the cooking process.
To get started, sauté diced carrots and squash with onions, garlic, and celery until they’re tender. This initial step allows these vegetables to develop a sweet and savory flavor that complements the rest of the ingredients nicely.
As you continue cooking, be sure to add the kidney beans and green beans towards the end.
This will help preserve their texture and shape, ensuring they retain their crunchiness.
Enjoy your hearty minestrone with a side of fresh or reheated garlic bread for a satisfying meal.
Pasta Fagioli
Indulge in a hearty meat-based soup that’s sure to lift your spirits. For a satisfying and flavorful experience, try whipping up a batch of Fagioli, a recipe reminiscent of minestrone. The key difference is the use of fresh sausage, which replaces cured or smoked options, allowing the natural brightness and savory flavors of the vegetables to shine through.
A blend of cumin, oregano, chili powder, and red pepper flakes adds depth and warmth, while two tablespoons of tomato paste provide a rich umami taste. This recipe makes a large batch, perfect for meal prep or freezing for later. And the best part? It freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for busy families.
Ditalini Pasta With Lemony Ricotta & Peas
This refreshing pasta recipe combines the flavors of mint and lemon to create a truly mouthwatering dish.
The ricotta cheese brings a creamy element that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of fresh peas, while its mild flavor allows the other ingredients to shine.
A squeeze of lemon zest adds a burst of acidity, which is beautifully complemented by the brightness of mint. The aged nuttiness and savory taste of parmesan cheese rounds out the flavors, adding depth and richness to the dish.
To finish cooking, a generous grating of parmesan ensures that every bite is perfectly seasoned. And if you’re running low on lemons, don’t worry – lime zest or lemon extract can be used as substitutes to maintain the same level of flavor.
Sicilian Lentil Pasta
Indulge in this rustic recipe that’s reminiscent of homemade comfort food! The dish’s simplicity is what makes it truly special – it’s all about letting the few quality ingredients shine through. A key component is the rendered pancetta, which brings a trifecta of fatty, meaty, and briny flavors to the table. This Italian cured meat is similar to bacon but has a cleaner, smoke-free taste that won’t overpower the other ingredients.
The small cut ditalini pasta pairs perfectly with the tiny lentils, creating a harmonious texture that’s both tender and soft. The lentils’ mouthfeel complements the pasta’s, making for a delightful eating experience.
Southwest Style Cowboy Casserole
Get ready to saddle up with this mouthwatering Cowboy Casserole! This hearty dish is packed with ground beef and country-style pork sausage, perfectly balanced with an array of vegetables. But what really takes the casserole over the top is the generous helping of melted cheese that adds a rich, creamy texture. And let’s not forget the depth of flavor achieved through browning – it’s a game-changer!
By allowing the meat to develop its natural flavors, you’ll be rewarded with a complexity that’s hard to replicate with other ingredients. Want to mix things up? Feel free to substitute the country sausage with garlic or Italian sausage for an added kick.
Ditalini With Tender Herbs, Chickpeas, & Yogurt
In our household, we’re passionate about serving up fresh flavors. This recipe is a perfect embodiment of that philosophy, with its vibrant combination of tender herbs, leafy greens, and rich anchovy sauce.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility – use any leftover herb or green you have on hand to add some texture and depth to the mix. Simply chop them up roughly and toss them into the pot.
What’s most important is getting those greens cooked just right, so they blend seamlessly with the pungent garlic and savory anchovy sauce. And let me tell you, the addition of creamy yogurt takes this dish from good to great.
The secret to this sauce lies in its balance – the salty, umami taste of the anchovies is perfectly offset by the tangy zip of the yogurt. Plus, it helps to thicken up the mixture to your liking.
Just before serving, top it all off with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh greens for a dish that’s almost too pretty to eat.
Instant Pot Turkey Meatball Ditalini Soup
Are you craving a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for your trusty Instant Pot? Look no further! Turkey, much like chicken, has a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with fresh ingredients and simple flavors. In this recipe, the addition of Parmesan rind takes center stage, infusing the dish with its rich, nutty flavor. The high-pressure environment of the Instant Pot then helps to melt the rind, thickening the soup to perfection. And the best part?
This recipe is incredibly versatile – if you’re using leftover turkey, simply shred it into bite-sized pieces and add it to your pot. Whether you’re working with ground turkey or shredded leftovers, this dish is sure to become a staple in your household.
Lemon Chicken Ditalini
Indulge in this quick and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. With minimal prep time, it’s a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress.
To make the chicken cutlets, start by pounding and seasoning chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then, sear them in a hot pan until they’re nicely browned and tender.
The key to this dish is the harmonious balance of flavors.
The sweetness of the zucchini pairs beautifully with the tanginess of the tomatoes and the brightness of the lemon, creating a truly delightful taste experience.
For added tenderness and ease of cooking, feel free to substitute chicken thighs for breasts. This versatile recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Cheesy Ditalini With Mixed Greens
What sets this pasta dish apart from others is its cooking liquid – instead of using plain water, beer and beef broth take center stage. The malty sweetness and floral notes of the reduced pilsner beer infuse into the pasta, giving it a rich and complex flavor profile. Similarly, reducing the beef broth enhances its deep, savory taste. To bring everything together, simply season the cooked pasta with salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese for a satisfying meal.
This dish pairs beautifully with mixed greens on the side, but also holds up well to being served with bread or fish.
Zucchini Ditalini
This indulgent Zucchini Ditalini recipe combines the richness of mascarpone and pecorino cheeses to create a decadent sauce. The addition of deglazed white wine adds depth without overpowering the dish, making it perfect for those looking for a slightly more refined pasta experience. And don’t worry, the presence of zucchini provides a welcome contrast to the indulgent flavors.
To make this dish, you’ll need just five ingredients: fresh zucchini, unsalted butter, crisp white wine, ditalini pasta, and a generous helping of creamy mascarpone cheese.
Ditalini With Peas & Parmesan
This recipe for Ditalini With Peas & Parmesan embodies the essence of a relaxing midweek meal. It’s an ideal solution for those who cringe at the thought of relying on microwave dinners and prefer to cook something wholesome from scratch. The best part? This dish is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal effort and time while still delivering big on flavor.
To make it, you’ll need just a few ingredients: frozen peas, ditalini pasta, parmesan cheese, sautéed onion, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
White Pasta Fagioli
There’s something deeply comforting about a warm, hearty bowl of White Pasta Fagioli on a cold, snowy day. The moment you step into your cozy home after a grueling week at work, the aroma of simmering soup wafts through the air, instantly lifting your spirits. As you settle into your favorite chair, cradling the steaming bowl between your hands, it’s as if all your worries melt away with each spoonful.
Add a crusty loaf of bread to mop up the savory broth, and you’re in for a truly comforting experience. So what makes this dish so special? It all comes down to its humble yet satisfying ingredients: crispy bacon, fresh celery, creamy cannellini beans, al dente ditalini, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added depth.
Spinach & White Bean Soup
If you’re looking for an alternative recipe to #16, consider trying Spinach & White Bean Soup instead. The unique flavor combination of the earthy beans and subtle bitterness of the spinach creates a deliciously complex taste experience that’s both satisfying and intriguing.
The ingredients involved are baby spinach, cannellini beans, chicken stock, parmesan cheese, and ditalini, all coming together to produce a hearty and flavorful dish.
Pasta E Ceci (Pasta With Chickpeas)
Pasta E Ceci begins as a simmering pot of seasoned broth, gradually thickening as the pasta absorbs its flavors. The key to this hearty dish lies in the cooking time, allowing the diner to customize the consistency to their liking. Whether you prefer a light and brothy soup or a rich and satisfying stew, it’s all a matter of timing.
With chickpeas, tomato paste, vegetable broth, ditalini pasta, and fragrant rosemary as its core ingredients, Pasta E Ceci is a versatile and flavorful recipe that puts the cook in control.
Creamy Parmesan Ditalini Soup
Savoring the warmth of a comforting bowl, another delightful soup takes center stage. Creamy Parmesan Ditali is a treat that will leave your taste buds craving more. This soul-soothing recipe is perfect for those seeking solace in rich flavors and velvety textures. For a dish that embodies the essence of cheese and comfort, look no further. The ingredients at play here are a masterclass in simplicity: Parmesan cheese, chicken stock, ditalini pasta, dry sherry, and milk.
A harmonious blend that will transport you to a cozy haven with each spoonful.
Spring Minestrone Soup
Spring Minestrone Soup has been a standout hit since its inception, boasting a level of popularity that’s hard to ignore. Its enduring appeal is evident in the fact that even those who’ve been living under a rock or frozen in suspended animation for the past five decades have likely stumbled upon a can of this iconic soup at some point. The question then becomes: what’s behind its remarkable staying power? To put it simply, Minestrone Soup just works.
And when you look at the ingredients involved – kale, asparagus spears, ditalini, scallions, and thyme – it’s easy to see why this soup has become a beloved favorite for so many people.
Street Corn Pasta Salad
Mexican Street Corn, or Elote, has captured the hearts of many in Mexico, transcending its humble origins as a roadside snack to become a staple in both casual and fine dining settings. Its sweet and tangy flavor profile, courtesy of jalapeno peppers, cilantro, and crumbly cotija cheese, has earned it a special place in Mexican pop culture. But what if we take this beloved street food to the next level by incorporating al dente Ditalini pasta?
The result is a lesser-known yet equally delicious salad that’s sure to surprise even the most discerning palates.
To create this twist on a classic, you’ll need the following ingredients: Ditalini pasta, corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, and lime juice.
Vegan Creamy Pasta E Fagioli
If you’re planning to serve a comforting bowl of creamy pasta e fagioli to your guests but are still searching for the perfect recipe, look no further. This hearty soup is a game-changer, featuring al dente ditalini in a rich and creamy sauce that’s sure to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. The combination of tender vegetables, flavorful sundried tomatoes, nutritious kale, and aromatic Italian seasoning creates a truly unforgettable dining experience.
To take it to the next level, we’ve added a generous helping of vegan cream for an indulgent touch. With its robust flavor profile and comforting warmth, this Creamy Pasta E Fagioli is sure to become a family favorite.
Italian Hoagie Pasta Salad
If you’re a fan of Italian Hoagie Sub Sandwiches, with their savory cured meats, crunchy veggies, tangy Italian dressing, and the bold flavor of red wine-based vinaigrette, but craving something a bit more substantial than just a sandwich, then this recipe is perfect for you. By swapping out traditional bread for perfectly cooked al-dente ditalini, this dish transforms into an Italian Hoagie-inspired pasta salad that’s sure to become a new favorite.
To make it happen, you’ll need the following ingredients: salami, pepperoni, cherry tomatoes, olives, and of course, some delightful ditalini.
Simple Macaroni Salad
When it comes to backyard gatherings or office potlucks, a classic macaroni salad is always a crowd-pleaser. And the best part? This Simple Macaroni Salad recipe is a quick fix for those last-minute get-togethers. With just a few key ingredients – Ditalini pasta, thinly sliced red onion, a dollop of sour cream, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and some crunchy celery – you can whip up a delicious and refreshing side dish in no time.
Tuna Pasta Salad
If you’re looking for a way to break free from the usual pasta recipes, why not try something new with ditalini? Instead of relying on mac and cheese or salads, how about combining it with tuna, sweet peas, crunchy celery, and savory flavors to create a summer-perfect Tuna Pasta Salad? This recipe is sure to impress your friends at your next barbecue, and its refreshing flavor will keep you coming back for more.
The key ingredients that make this dish truly special include tuna, ditalini, dill pickle, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
The bottom line
Pasta e Fagioli, a beloved Italian classic, takes center stage in its iconic use of ditalini pasta. This hearty soup recipe combines the humble tubular pasta with tender beans and an assortment of vegetables, creating a rich and satisfying culinary experience that embodies the essence of traditional Italian cooking.
