Quick & Easy Ditalini Recipes: 15 Dishes Every Beginner Can Make

Discover 15 easy & delicious ditalini recipes perfect for beginners. From creamy cheese pasta to hearty soups, get inspired and start cooking today!

Introduction

Ditalini, the tiny tube-shaped pasta, is a beginner cook’s secret weapon. Its versatility and quick cooking time make it perfect for whipping up easy, satisfying meals. In this roundup, we’ll explore 15 foolproof ditalini recipes that’ll have you cooking like a pro in no time. From comforting soups to zesty salads, these dishes will turn you into a ditalini devotee.

1. Classic Pasta e Fagioli

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ditalini
• 1 can cannellini beans
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 diced onion
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• Italian herbs

Steps:

1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
2. Add broth, beans, tomatoes, and herbs. Simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Toss in ditalini and cook until al dente.

This hearty soup is Italian comfort food at its finest.

2. Creamy Ditalini Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 2 cups ditalini
• 2 cups shredded cheddar
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour

Steps:

1. Cook ditalini according to package instructions.
2. Make a roux with butter and flour, whisk in milk and cheese.
3. Fold in cooked pasta and stir until coated.

Who says mac and cheese is just for elbows? Ditalini ups the creamy factor!

3. Mediterranean Ditalini Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ditalini
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup feta cheese
• 1/4 cup olives
• Lemon vinaigrette

Steps:

1. Cook ditalini and cool to room temperature.
2. Toss with veggies, feta, and olives.
3. Drizzle with vinaigrette and serve chilled.

A refreshing twist on pasta salad that’s perfect for summer picnics.

4. One-Pot Ditalini Minestrone

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ditalini
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can kidney beans
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes

Steps:

1. Bring broth to a boil, add veggies and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Add beans, tomatoes, and ditalini. Cook until pasta is tender.

A veggie-packed soup that’s a meal in itself.

5. Cheesy Ditalini Bake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups ditalini
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Steps:

1. Cook ditalini and mix with marinara and half the cheese.
2. Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.
3. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until golden.

This bubbly, cheesy bake is pure comfort food.

6. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Ditalini

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ditalini
• 1 lb peeled shrimp
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 2 tbsp butter

Steps:

1. Cook ditalini according to package instructions.
2. Sauté garlic in butter, add shrimp and cook until pink.
3. Deglaze with wine, add lemon juice and toss with pasta.

A light yet luxurious seafood pasta that’s restaurant-worthy.

7. Ditalini Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ditalini
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced

Steps:

1. Sauté veggies in oil, add broth and bring to a boil.
2. Add chicken and ditalini, simmer until pasta is tender.

The ultimate comfort soup, made even better with ditalini.

8. Creamy Tomato Ditalini

Ingredients:

• 2 cups ditalini
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp butter
• Fresh basil

Steps:

1. Cook ditalini according to package instructions.
2. Simmer tomatoes with cream and butter.
3. Toss sauce with pasta, top with Parmesan and basil.

A luscious, velvety pasta that’s ready in minutes.

9. Ditalini Primavera

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ditalini
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, peas)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Steps:

1. Cook ditalini and vegetables until tender.
2. Sauté garlic in olive oil, toss with pasta and veggies.
3. Sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.

A colorful, veggie-packed pasta that’s both healthy and delicious.

10. Ditalini Tuna Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cups ditalini
• 2 cans tuna, drained
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Steps:

1. Cook ditalini, mix with tuna, soup, peas, and half the cheese.
2. Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.
3. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until golden.

A nostalgic favorite gets a ditalini makeover.

11. Ditalini Pesto Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups ditalini
• 1/2 cup prepared pesto
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Steps:

1. Cook ditalini and cool to room temperature.
2. Toss with pesto, tomatoes, pine nuts, and Parmesan.
3. Chill before serving.

A zesty, herbaceous pasta salad that’s perfect for picnics.

12. Ditalini with Sausage and Kale

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ditalini
• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 bunch kale, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Red pepper flakes

Steps:

1. Cook ditalini according to package instructions.
2. Brown sausage, add garlic and kale, cook until wilted.
3. Toss with pasta and season with red pepper flakes.

A hearty, flavorful pasta that’s packed with greens.

13. Ditalini Frittata

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked ditalini
• 6 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese

Steps:

1. Whisk eggs with milk, add pasta, veggies, and cheese.
2. Pour into an ovenproof skillet and cook until edges set.
3. Finish under the broiler until golden and puffy.

A creative way to use leftover ditalini for a quick breakfast or brunch.

14. Ditalini Minestrone Verde

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ditalini
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can white beans
• 2 cups mixed green vegetables (zucchini, spinach, peas)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Steps:

1. Sauté onion and garlic, add broth and bring to a boil.
2. Add beans and green veggies, simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add ditalini and cook until tender.

A vibrant, green twist on classic minestrone.

15. Sweet Ditalini Pudding

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ditalini
• 3 cups milk
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Cinnamon for dusting

Steps:

1. Cook ditalini in milk with sugar until tender and creamy.
2. Stir in vanilla, pour into serving dishes.
3. Chill and dust with cinnamon before serving.

Who knew ditalini could make a delightful dessert?

Conclusion

From comforting soups to zesty salads and even a sweet surprise, these 15 ditalini recipes prove that this tiny pasta packs a big punch. Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, ditalini’s versatility shines through in every dish. So stock up on this pantry staple and get ready to impress with these easy, delicious meals. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is ditalini pasta?

Answer: Ditalini is a small, tube-shaped pasta commonly used in soups, salads, and simple pasta dishes. Its size and shape allow it to hold sauces and blend well with a variety of ingredients.

2. How do you cook ditalini pasta perfectly?

Answer: To cook ditalini pasta, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and toss with your favorite sauce or ingredients.

3. Can I use ditalini pasta in a pasta salad?

Answer: Yes, ditalini pasta works great in pasta salads. Its small, tubular shape allows it to absorb dressing well, making it a perfect addition to fresh, veggie-packed pasta salads.

4. How do I make a simple ditalini with tomato basil sauce?

Answer: To make ditalini with tomato basil sauce, cook the pasta, then sauté garlic and fresh tomatoes in olive oil. Stir in fresh basil and toss the cooked pasta with the sauce. Top with Parmesan for added flavor.

5. Can I make ditalini pasta with a cream sauce?

Answer: Yes! A creamy ditalini pasta, such as a classic cheddar cheese sauce, is easy to make. Just melt butter, whisk in flour, and slowly add milk and cheese for a smooth, rich sauce that pairs perfectly with ditalini.

6. What is a good soup recipe using ditalini pasta?

Answer: Italian pasta soup with ditalini is a hearty and comforting option. Sauté vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, add chicken broth, and cook ditalini pasta until tender. It’s a delicious, warming dish perfect for cold days.

7. How can I make ditalini with pesto?

Answer: To make ditalini with pesto, simply cook the pasta, then toss it with fresh pesto sauce. Add Parmesan and pine nuts for extra flavor and texture. This dish is light, fresh, and full of vibrant flavors.

8. Is ditalini pasta gluten-free?

Answer: Traditional ditalini pasta is made from wheat, so it’s not gluten-free. However, gluten-free ditalini alternatives are available, typically made from rice or corn flour.

9. How long does ditalini pasta take to cook?

Answer: Ditalini pasta usually cooks in about 8-10 minutes. Always refer to the package instructions, as cooking times can vary slightly depending on the brand.

10. Can I make baked ditalini casserole?

Answer: Absolutely! Baked ditalini casserole is a delicious, hearty dish. Combine cooked ditalini with cheese, sauce, and vegetables or meat, then bake until golden and bubbly for a comforting meal.

11. What can I add to ditalini to make a quick weeknight meal?

Answer: You can add simple ingredients like sautéed garlic, olive oil, roasted vegetables, or cooked chicken to ditalini for a fast and satisfying weeknight meal. Don’t forget a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor!

12. Can ditalini be used in vegan recipes?

Answer: Yes, ditalini is very versatile and can be used in vegan recipes. Pair it with plant-based ingredients like roasted vegetables, tofu, and dairy-free cheese for a delicious vegan dish.

13. How do you make ditalini with sausage and peppers?

Answer: To make ditalini with sausage and peppers, cook the pasta and set aside. Sauté sausage with bell peppers and onions, then combine with the pasta. Add a bit of tomato sauce or broth for extra flavor.

14. What is a good vegetarian ditalini soup recipe?

Answer: Vegetarian ditalini soup can be made with a base of vegetable broth, tomatoes, spinach, and beans. Add cooked ditalini for a filling, nutritious meal that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

15. Can I freeze dishes made with ditalini pasta?

Answer: Yes, you can freeze dishes made with ditalini pasta. It’s best to freeze pasta-based casseroles or soups in airtight containers, and reheat them thoroughly when ready to serve.