Growing up, ditalini pasta was always a staple in our household. My mom would whip up the most comforting, flavorful ditalini pasta recipe that had us kids coming back for seconds (and thirds!). There was just something about the perfect al dente texture of the ditalini noodles paired with her homemade tomato sauce that made it impossible to resist.
I can still remember the sound of the pasta boiling away on the stove and the aroma of fresh basil and garlic wafting through the kitchen. Mom would let us kids help stir the sauce, and we’d all eagerly wait by the table, our forks at the ready, as she dished it up. There was just something so special about that simple ditalini pasta recipe – it brought our whole family together around the table, sharing stories and laughter over a delicious, heartwarming meal.
Now, as an adult, I find myself craving that same comforting flavor of my mom’s ditalini pasta recipe. It’s the kind of dish that just feels like home, you know? That’s why I’m so excited to share my own take on this classic recipe with you. This ditalini pasta recipe is not only outrageously delicious, but it’s also super easy to make. Trust me, it’s going to become your new go-to!
Why This Ditalini Pasta Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
What makes this ditalini pasta recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The ditalini noodles have just the right amount of bite, while the homemade tomato sauce is rich, tangy, and bursting with fresh herb flavor. But the real secret is in the technique – by simmering the sauce low and slow, you end up with a wonderfully thick and velvety consistency that coats the pasta beautifully.
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Ditalini Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Discover the secret to making an authentic, quick ditalini pasta recipe that will change your life. This tender, al dente pasta is tossed in a rich, creamy sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
– 8 oz ditalini pasta
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ditalini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. 3. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
4. 4. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the Parmesan, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. 5. Add the cooked ditalini pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Stir in the 2 tbsp of chopped basil.
6. 6. Serve the ditalini pasta immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Notes
For a creamier sauce, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk. You can also add sautéed mushrooms, peas, or grilled chicken to make it a more substantial main dish.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
The Secret Behind Perfect ditalini pasta recipe
The key to this ditalini pasta recipe is all in the sauce. Instead of just simmering the tomatoes for a short time, we’re going to let them cook low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken up. This gradual cooking process is what gives the sauce its luxurious texture and deep, complex flavor.
I also like to add a splash of red wine to the sauce, which adds an extra layer of richness and depth. And of course, no ditalini pasta recipe would be complete without plenty of fresh basil and garlic. Trust me, one bite of this and you’ll be hooked!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Ditalini pasta
Canned crushed tomatoes
Onion
Garlic
Fresh basil
Olive oil
Red wine
Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step ditalini pasta recipe Instructions
Preparing Your ditalini pasta recipe
This ditalini pasta recipe is super easy to make, but it does require a bit of time for the sauce to simmer and develop its flavor. In total, you’re looking at about an hour from start to finish. The good news is that most of that time is hands-off, so you can easily multitask while the sauce is simmering away.
You’ll need a large pot for boiling the pasta, as well as a saucepan or Dutch oven for the sauce. A sharp knife and cutting board will also come in handy for prepping the onion and garlic.
1- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
2- While the pasta is cooking, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent.
3- Next, add the minced garlic and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
4- Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and a splash of red wine. Season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and deeply flavorful.
5- During the last 5 minutes of simmering, stir in the fresh chopped basil. This will help the basil flavor really shine.
6- Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce is ready, drain the ditalini and add it directly to the saucepan. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the rich tomato sauce.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect ditalini pasta is to not overcook the noodles. Be sure to set a timer and check them at the lower end of the package cooking time. You want them to be al dente, with just a slight bite to them.
Another pro tip is to save a bit of the pasta cooking water before draining. If the sauce seems a little too thick, you can add a splash of the starchy cooking water to thin it out and help it cling to the pasta.
And don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Start with a generous pinch of salt and pepper, then add more if needed. A little sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also be a nice addition if you like a bit of heat.
Serving and Storing Your ditalini pasta recipe
Perfect Pairings for ditalini pasta recipe
This ditalini pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food, so it pairs beautifully with simple, homey sides. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would be a perfect accompaniment. Or you could serve it with a crusty loaf of garlic bread for sopping up every last drop of that delicious sauce.
And of course, no ditalini pasta recipe is complete without a glass of red wine! The bold, fruity flavors of a Chianti or Merlot would be a match made in heaven.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover ditalini pasta with tomato sauce will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or gently warm it on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce if needed.
You can also make this ditalini pasta recipe ahead of time and freeze it for longer storage. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for ditalini pasta recipe
Creative ditalini pasta recipe Variations
While this classic tomato sauce version is absolutely delicious, there are so many ways to switch up this ditalini pasta recipe. You could toss the pasta with a creamy mushroom or pesto sauce, or sauté some fresh vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to mix in.
For a heartier meal, try adding some cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the sauce. Or, for a vegetarian option, you could stir in some white beans or lentils for extra protein.
And don’t be afraid to get creative with the herbs and spices. In addition to the basil, you could add dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of fennel seeds for some extra flavor.
Making ditalini pasta recipe Diet-Friendly
To make this ditalini pasta recipe gluten-free, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. You can find ditalini-shaped gluten-free pasta at most grocery stores these days.
For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, you could use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash in place of the ditalini pasta. The tomato sauce would still be delicious with those veggie-based “noodles.”
And for a vegan ditalini pasta recipe, simply omit the Parmesan cheese, or use a dairy-free alternative. The sauce will still be incredibly flavorful without the cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of ditalini?
A: Absolutely! While ditalini is the traditional choice, this tomato sauce would be delicious with all sorts of short, tubular pasta shapes. Try it with penne, rigatoni, or even macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for the specific pasta you’re using.
Q: How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
A: If you find the sauce is a little too thin for your liking, you can let it simmer for a bit longer to evaporate some of the excess liquid. Conversely, if it’s too thick, you can stir in a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out.
Q: Can I make this ditalini pasta recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, this dish reheats beautifully. You can make the sauce a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Then, just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve. You can also freeze the entire dish for up to 3 months.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This ditalini pasta recipe serves 4-6 people, depending on portion sizes. It makes a very generous amount of sauce, so you can easily scale it up or down as needed to feed a crowd or just your family.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh basil on hand?
A: No problem! You can substitute dried basil instead. Start with 1-2 teaspoons and adjust to taste. You could also use other fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley.
Conclusion
I hope this ditalini pasta recipe becomes a new favorite in your household, just like it is in mine. The rich, flavorful tomato sauce paired with the perfectly cooked ditalini noodles is truly a match made in heaven. And the best part is, it’s so easy to make!
So go ahead, give this recipe a try. I guarantee it will become your new go-to ditalini pasta dish. Don’t forget to let me know what you think in the comments below. Buon appetito!