Description

Italian ditalini pasta is a small, tube-shaped pasta often used in soups or served with rich sauces. This simple, flavorful recipe brings together a few essential ingredients, including garlic, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, to create a satisfying and authentic Italian dish. Whether you make it in a soup or paired with a sauce, ditalini pasta is perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

– 12 oz (340 g) ditalini pasta

– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or 4-5 fresh tomatoes, chopped

– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

– Salt and pepper, to taste

– 1 lb (450 g) ground meat

– 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, for deglazing)

– Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

– Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese (for topping)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ditalini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add the tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked ditalini pasta to the sauce, mixing well. Add some reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors combine.

Notes

You can add vegetables such as zucchini or spinach to make this dish even more flavorful.
For a richer sauce, you can stir in some heavy cream or add ground meat like sausage or beef.
This recipe is versatile—feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices for added depth of flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 250
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 12g