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Ditalini pasta is a versatile and beloved ingredient that can be enjoyed year-round. It’s perfect for a variety of dishes, from light spring salads to hearty winter bakes. This small, tubular pasta is a great canvas for many flavors.
In this article, you’ll find 10 mouthwatering ditalini recipes. They will inspire you to experiment with this versatile ingredient. You’ll enjoy its unique texture and taste in every season.
What is Ditalini?
Ditalini is a small, tubular pasta that looks like a thumb. It’s great in soups, salads, and other dishes. Its size and shape help it soak up flavors and add texture.
Ditalini: A Small, Tubular Pasta Variety
Ditalini means “little thimbles” in Italian. It’s a type of pastina pasta. Cooked for 8 to 9 minutes, it’s al dente. It comes from Puglia, Italy, and is popular in Southern Italian dishes.
Versatile and Perfect for Soups and Salads
Ditalini is perfect for soups because it fits on a spoon. It’s also great in pasta e fagioli and salads. Its small size makes it versatile for many pasta for soups and salads.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 8 to 9 minutes |
| Place of Origin | Puglia region, Italy |
| Main Ingredients | Durum wheat flour, water |
Spring Ditalini Salad
As the weather gets warmer, a ditalini salad is just what you need. The small, tubular shape of ditalini goes great with fresh, crunchy veggies. This makes a light and flavorful pasta salad perfect for sunny days.
Vibrant Flavors with Fresh Veggies
This spring pasta salad has a mix of fresh veggies. You’ll find:
- Carrots
- Celery
- Red onion
- Cherry tomatoes
- Bell peppers (yellow and red)
- Cucumber
- Green onions
- Frozen peas
The colors and textures of these fresh vegetable pasta salad ingredients make it both beautiful and tasty.
Light and Refreshing for Warmer Days
This light pasta salad is great for spring and summer. The small ditalini pasta and a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar make it refreshing and satisfying.
It’s quick to make, with only 22 minutes of prep time. Each serving is about 1/10th of the recipe. It’s packed with 8.6g of protein, making it a nutritious choice for lunch or as a side dish.
Summer Ditalini with Pesto
When it’s hot outside, a cool dish of ditalini with pesto is just what you need. This small pasta is great for a light summer meal.
Ditalini’s small size lets the pesto sauce wrap around each piece. This means every bite is full of fresh herbs. You can choose from classic basil pesto or try sun-dried tomato pesto for a summer twist.
To make this tasty dish, you’ll need:
- A jar of good pesto or fresh basil pesto
- Ditalini , cooked just right
- Heavy cream or full-fat milk for creaminess
- Optional toppings like burrata, fresh mozzarella, or stracciatella cheese
This dish is ready in 20 minutes, perfect for a quick summer supper. You can serve it warm, chilled, or at room temperature. Enjoy the fresh tastes of summer in every bite.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Chilling Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 10 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour 20 minutes | 8 servings |
Whether you’re having a backyard BBQ or just want a cool dinner, try this ditalini pasta with pesto. It’s a delicious way to enjoy summer flavors.
Autumn Harvest Ditalini Soup
As fall arrives, a warm ditalini pasta soup is just what you need. It’s filled with small, tubular ditalini and fresh veggies. This mix creates a delicious autumn dish.
Hearty and Comforting for Cooler Months
To start, cook 1 lb. of sweet Italian sausage in 2 TBSP of olive oil until it’s golden. This takes about 10 minutes. Then, add 18 oz. of Trader Joe’s Fall Holiday Hash or similar veggies. Cook for another 10 minutes until they’re soft.
After the sausage and veggies are done, add 8 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, a 15 oz. can of diced tomatoes, and a 15 oz. can of cannellini beans. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Then, add 1/2 to 3/4 cup of ditalini pasta and cook until it’s tender.
Featuring In-Season Produce
To season the soup, use 1/2 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of pepper, 1 TBSP of Italian seasoning, and 1 TBSP of fresh crushed garlic. This makes a hearty soup perfect for autumn. It’s full of fresh, in-season produce.
For an easy option, make this soup in an Instant Pot. Sauté the sausage and veggies on Saute mode for 3-4 minutes. Then, add the rest and pressure cook for 3 minutes.
Enjoy this Autumn Harvest Ditalini Soup as a main dish or with a salad or bread. It’s a great fall favorite!
Winter Ditalini Pasta Bake
When it gets cold and dark, a warm, cheesy pasta bake is just what you need. The Winter Ditalini Bake is a cozy dish. It mixes small ditalini pasta with a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s perfect for those chilly nights when you want to feel warm inside.
Warm and Cheesy for Cold Nights
The magic of this ditalini pasta bake is in the melted cheese and tender pasta. It uses Parmesan and Fontina cheese for a creamy sauce. Roasted butternut squash and fresh baby spinach add a seasonal touch.
To make this winter pasta bake, mix cooked ditalini with the cheesy sauce, veggies, and spices. Put it in a springform pan and bake until it’s golden and bubbly. You’ll get a cheesy pasta bake that’s a hit with your family during the cold months.
“This winter ditalini bake is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. The combination of creamy cheese and tender pasta is simply irresistible.”
Looking for a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a cozy Italian kitchen? Try this ditalini pasta bake. It’s a great way to enjoy the season’s flavors and find comfort on a cold winter night.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Ditalini Pasta
Ditalini is small and tubular, great for many dishes. It works well in soups, salads, and casseroles. To cook it perfectly, just follow these easy tips:
How to Cook Ditalini Al Dente
Use lots of salted water when cooking ditalini . Make sure the water boils before adding the pasta. Cook it until it’s al dente, which is firm, for about 10-12 minutes. Don’t overcook it, or it will be mushy.
Seasoning and Saucing Ditalini
Ditalini pasta tastes best when seasoned well. Try herbs, spices, or a tasty sauce. Find your favorite by experimenting with different flavors. Here are some great options:
- Pesto sauce
- Marinara or tomato-based sauce
- Garlic and olive oil
- Creamy cheese sauce
- Chicken or vegetable broth
By using these ditalini cooking tips, you’ll get delicious ditalini every time. It’s perfect for soups, salads, or baked dishes.
Ditalini Nutrition Facts
Ditalini pasta is a nutritious and versatile pasta option. It’s a great addition to a healthy diet. This small, tubular pasta variety is a good source of complex carbohydrates. It provides a steady, long-lasting source of energy for your body.
One serving of ditalini (1 cup or 73.33g) contains 261 calories. It has 54g of carbohydrates, 9g of protein, and only 1g of fat. It’s a relatively low-calorie pasta option, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a balanced meal plan.
A Good Source of Complex Carbs
Ditalini pasta is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates. Complex carbs are digested more slowly than simple sugars. They provide a steady supply of energy.
This can help keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer after a meal. In addition to complex carbs, ditalini also contains fiber. Fiber aids in digestion and promotes overall gut health. Each serving provides 2g of total fiber, including both soluble and insoluble varieties.
Ditalini pasta is also a good source of several vitamins and minerals. These include thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folate. These nutrients contribute to various bodily functions and support overall health and well-being.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 261 kcal | – |
| Total Fat | 1g | – |
| Carbohydrates | 54g | 15% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 11% |
| Protein | 9g | – |
| Thiamin | 0.5mg | 40% |
| Riboflavin | 0.2mg | 15% |
| Niacin | 5mg | 30% |
| Folate | 199μg | 50% |
Whether you’re looking for a healthy pasta option or want to incorporate more complex carbohydrates into your diet, ditalini pasta can be a great choice. Its nutritional profile and versatility make it a wonderful addition to a balanced and nutritious meal.
Where to Buy Ditalini
Looking to add ditalini pasta to your recipes? You’re in luck because it’s easy to find. It’s in the pasta aisle of most big supermarkets. This makes it simple for anyone to use at home.
Specialty Italian or gourmet food shops also carry ditalini. Its unique shape and size are perfect for many dishes. This includes soups and pasta salads.
Can’t find ditalini in stores? No problem. You can buy it online from trusted retailers. Just make sure the package says “ditalini” or “ditali.” Ditalini is a must-have for any kitchen, adding flavor and versatility to your meals.
FAQ
What is ditalini pasta?
Ditalini is small and tubular, great for soups, salads, and bakes. It’s about thumb size and absorbs flavors well. This makes it versatile for many meals.
How long should I cook ditalini ?
Cook ditalini in plenty of salted water until it’s al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Season it well with herbs, spices, or sauce for extra flavor.
Where can I buy ditalini pasta?
You can find ditalini in most grocery stores’ pasta aisle. It’s also in Italian or gourmet shops. If it’s not local, you can buy it online from many retailers.
What are the health benefits of ditalini pasta?
Ditalini is full of complex carbs for lasting energy. It’s also low in calories, making it a healthy meal choice. It has fiber, protein, and vitamins, adding nutrition to your diet.
What are some delicious ways to use ditalini ?
Ditalini is great in many dishes, from spring salads to winter bakes. Enjoy it in soups, salads, pesto, and casseroles for tasty meals all year.