Ditalini Recipe
Make Ditalini Recipe in just 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta & Water
Base & Aromatics
Liquid & Seasoning
Finishing & Garnish
Method
Pasta & Water
- 1
Boil pasta
Bring 6 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Stir in 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Add 1.5 cups ditalini and cook uncovered at a gentle boil, stirring occasionally, until al dente (about 8–10 minutes, check package). Reserve 3/4 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Base & Aromatics
- 2
Cook aromatics
While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large sauté pan or shallow pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 6–8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to brown it.
Liquid & Seasoning
- 3
Build the sauce
Add 3 cups broth and 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes to the pan with the softened vegetables. Stir in 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook 6–8 minutes to concentrate flavors.
- 4
Adjust consistency
If the sauce is too thin, simmer a bit longer; if it’s too thick, stir in up to 1/2–3/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time until you reach a slightly saucy consistency that will cling to the ditalini.
Combine & Finish
- 5
Combine pasta and sauce
Add the drained ditalini to the simmering sauce and toss gently to combine. Cook together over low heat 1–2 minutes so the pasta absorbs some sauce. If using, stir in 1 cup fresh baby spinach and allow it to wilt (about 1 minute).
- 6
Finish with cheese and herbs
Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. If the dish looks dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen.
- 7