Description

This article provides a comprehensive guide to preparing a classic ditalini pasta recipe. Ditalini pasta, known for its small tube shape and versatility, is highlighted as an excellent choice for various dishes, including soups, salads, and main courses. The article emphasizes the pasta’s ability to absorb flavors, making it ideal for pairing with different sauces and ingredients. It also covers essential tips on cooking, storing, and reheating ditalini pasta, along with suggested side dishes and variations to enhance your meals.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound of ditalini pasta
½ tablespoon Kosher or sea salt (for boiling pasta)
1 red or green bell pepper, diced
¼ cup diced red onion
2 stalks of celery, diced
1 cup of English cucumber, diced
1 cup of mayonnaise (for dressing)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for dressing)
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (for dressing)
1 tablespoon sugar (for dressing)
¼ teaspoon salt (for dressing)
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (for dressing)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder (for dressing)
¼ teaspoon paprika (for dressing)

For the Pasta:

8 ounces of ditalini pasta
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1.5 teaspoons of cracked black pepper
2 ¼ cups of chicken broth
⅓ cup of heavy cream
2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
⅓ cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preparing Your Ingredients:
- Gather all necessary ingredients.
- Fill a large pot with water, bring to a boil, and add salt.
Cooking the Pasta to Perfection:
- Add the ditalini pasta to boiling water, stir gently to prevent sticking, and cook for 7-8 minutes.
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil and black pepper, let it simmer for 20-30 seconds.
- Mix the heated oil with the pasta, then add chicken broth, heavy cream, and butter for a creamy sauce. Allow the sauce to reduce by a quarter, stirring occasionally.
- Drain the pasta in a colander once cooked.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve in hearty soups like pasta e fagioli or make a salad with fresh vegetables, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Pair with garlic bread, green salads, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, meatballs, or sautéed shrimp.

Notes

Rinsing ditalini pasta is only necessary if making a cold salad.
Tomato-based and oil-based sauces are recommended for pairing with ditalini pasta.
Variations include adding proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas, and trying different herbs and spices.

Prep Time: Not specified
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
Method: Boiling, Simmering
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: na
Calories: na
Sugar: not specified
Sodium: not specified
Fat: 23.2g
Saturated Fat: not specified
Unsaturated Fat: not specified
Trans Fat: not specified
Carbohydrates: 33
Fiber: not specified
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: not specified

Keywords: Ditalini Pasta Recipe, Classic Ditalini Pasta, Quick Pasta Recipe, Versatile Pasta Dish