Description
Ditalini pasta, known as “little thimbles,” is a small, tubular pasta perfect for soups, salads, and creamy dishes. Its ability to absorb flavors makes it an excellent base for various Italian-inspired meals. This recipe features a simple yet delicious tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, onions, and herbs, making it a go-to dish for both quick meals and elegant dining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups ditalini pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 medium tomatoes (or 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil ditalini pasta in salted water for 7–9 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onions until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Combine Pasta & Sauce: Toss in cooked ditalini, gradually adding reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Finish & Serve: Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
For a creamy twist, stir in a splash of heavy cream or ricotta cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Ditalini pasta, Italian pasta dish, quick pasta recipe, ditalini soup, easy pasta recipe, tomato basil pasta