Ditalini Pasta Recipe
Craving a quick and delicious Ditalini pasta recipe? This easy, flavor-packed dish is perfect for weeknights! Ready in 30 minutes—comfort in every bite!
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients
- Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect Ditalini pasta dish:
- Ditalini pasta – The star of the show! These tiny tubes hold sauce beautifully and add the perfect bite.
- Olive oil or butter – For sautéing and adding a rich silky texture.
- Garlic & onion – Essential for building a deep savory flavor.
- Tomato sauce or marinara – Adds a delicious tangy base (swap for a creamy sauce if preferred).
- Parmesan cheese – A must for that irresistible cheesy finish.
- Italian seasoning – A blend of basil oregano, and thyme to enhance the flavor.
- Salt & black pepper – To season everything to perfection.
Optional Additions & Variations
- Want to mix things up? Here are some great ways to customize your dish:
- Protein – Add cooked chicken Italian sausage, or ground beef for a hearty twist.
- Vegetables – Toss in spinach peas, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
- Spice it up – A pinch of red pepper flakes will give it a little heat.
- Creamy version – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or ricotta cheese for a luscious creamy texture.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the Ditalini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Pro Tip: The reserved pasta water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta beautifully.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil (or butter) over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until it turns soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- For a Tomato-Based Sauce:
- Pour in the tomato sauce (or marinara) and stir well.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together.
- For a Creamy Version:
- Stir in heavy cream or ricotta cheese instead of tomato sauce.
- Let it cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the drained Ditalini pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and creamy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil for the perfect finishing touch.
- Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 680mg
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 14g