Ditalini pasta recipes are perfect for anyone looking for a quick and comforting meal. This small, tube-shaped pasta is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Its unique shape allows it to absorb sauces and flavors beautifully, making it a favorite in many Italian recipes. Whether you’re making a hearty soup or a light pasta dish, ditalini pasta can be the perfect base for your next meal.
In this recipe, we’re going to walk through a simple yet delicious way to cook ditalini pasta with a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, this dish will soon become a go-to for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting.
Table of Contents
Why Choose Ditalini Pasta?
Ditalini pasta may be small, but it packs a punch in flavor and texture. Its tube shape makes it perfect for absorbing sauces, broths, and even pesto, making it versatile for both light and hearty dishes. It cooks quickly and holds its shape in both thin and thick sauces, so it won’t turn mushy. Ditalini pasta is often used in Italian soups, where it pairs well with flavorful broths and fresh vegetables.
Discover this tasty sticky beef and rice recipe on Recipes of USA: Sticky Beef and Rice.
Ingredients for Ditalini Pasta Recipes
This recipe requires just a few basic ingredients that combine to create a delicious dish:
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

How to Make Ditalini Pasta Recipes
This ditalini pasta recipe is incredibly easy to make, taking just a few simple steps to bring everything together.
Step 1: Boil the Ditalini Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil and adding salt. Add the ditalini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically for 8-10 minutes, until it reaches an al dente texture. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, add the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the broth. Stir everything together.

Step 3: Add Seasoning
Season the mixture with oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked ditalini pasta to the skillet and toss everything together so the pasta is well-coated in the tomato sauce. If you prefer a saucier dish, you can add a bit more broth at this stage to thin it out.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the pasta is thoroughly combined with the sauce, remove the skillet from the heat.
If desired, sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Ditalini Pasta Recipes
- Salt the water: Be sure to add salt to the water when cooking the pasta, as it helps bring out the flavor of the pasta.
- Use high-quality tomatoes: Using good-quality canned tomatoes will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of the sauce.
- Include extra vegetables: To make the meal more filling, add sautéed vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce.
- Leftovers: You can store this dish in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Conclusion
Ditalini pasta recipes are a simple yet versatile ingredient that can easily be turned into a delicious meal. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to make a quick, flavorful dish with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, this ditalini pasta with tomato sauce is guaranteed to satisfy. With just a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
So next time you’re in the kitchen, grab a box of ditalini pasta and get cooking. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation!
Check out this delicious ditalini pasta recipe on Posh Plate for more inspiration and cooking tips: Ditalini Pasta Recipe.
FAQs
What can you use ditalini pasta for?
Ditalini pasta is incredibly versatile. It’s commonly used in soups and stews due to its small size, making it ideal for soaking up flavors. It can also be used in pasta salads, casseroles, and even baked pasta dishes. Its small, tube-like shape allows it to absorb sauces and pair well with vegetables, meats, or seafood.
What is the difference between ditalini and ditali pasta?
While both ditalini and ditali are small, tube-shaped pasta, the main difference is their size. Ditalini is smaller in size and is often called “little thimbles,” making it ideal for soups or lighter pasta dishes.
Ditali, on the other hand, is a bit larger and is typically used in hearty, baked pasta dishes. They are both great in similar types of recipes but differ in how much sauce or filling they can hold.
Why is it called “marry me pasta”?
“Marry me pasta” is a popular term for a dish that’s so delicious it could make someone want to propose! The name likely refers to the richness and irresistible flavors of the pasta, often combined with creamy sauces, garlic, cheese, and other mouthwatering ingredients. It’s a fun way to describe a dish that’s bound to win over anyone who tries it.
What is al Pacino pasta?
Al Pacino pasta is a fun, playful dish that’s named after the famous actor. It’s typically a flavorful, bold pasta dish featuring a mix of spicy, savory ingredients like garlic, chili, and a rich tomato sauce, sometimes with added sausage or other meats. The dish captures the intensity and complexity often associated with the actor’s roles in movies. While it’s not a traditional Italian recipe, it’s a popular dish in modern kitchens for its exciting, fiery flavors.

Ditalini Pasta with Tomato Sauce
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 cup Ditalini pasta
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 can Diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- ½ cup Vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- optional Fresh basil or parsley
- optional Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Season with dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir and let the flavors meld together.
- Mix the cooked ditalini pasta into the skillet, tossing everything together so the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Remove from heat. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Yumyyy