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cooked ditalini pasta with tomato sauce and fresh herbs
Emily Hart

How To Make Italian Ditalini Pasta: Step-by-Step Recipe

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

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
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Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
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