There is something incredibly comforting about a bowl of ditalini pasta coated in a rich tomato sauce. This simple, rustic dish carries the charm of classic Italian home cooking, where humble ingredients come together to create something warm and deeply satisfying. Whether served as a quick weeknight dinner or as a cozy lunch on a cold afternoon, ditalini with tomato sauce delivers flavor, familiarity, and ease in every bite.
The base of this dish is a silky tomato sauce made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and a touch of onion for sweetness. As the sauce simmers, it thickens into a glossy, fragrant blend that clings beautifully to the small, tube-shaped ditalini. Their shape is ideal for holding sauce in every nook, creating a perfect balance of pasta and tomato in each spoonful. A sprinkle of basil adds freshness, while a generous handful of parmesan brings the salty, nutty finish we all crave.
What makes this dish special is how adaptable it can be. If you like a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine while the sauce reduces. For a bit of heat, crushed red pepper flakes work wonders. Some cooks like to fold in vegetables such as spinach or zucchini for extra texture and nutrition, while others keep it classic and let the tomato shine. No matter the variation, ditalini pasta remains the ideal companion, soft yet sturdy, perfectly shaped for saucy comfort cooking.
This dish also works beautifully as a make ahead option. The sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen for future meals. When you are ready to eat, simply cook the ditalini, warm the sauce, and toss together with a little pasta water to bring everything together. Finish with parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil and you have a delightful meal that tastes like it came straight from an Italian kitchen.
Pair this pasta with a fresh arugula green salad, crusty bread, or a light glass of red wine for a complete and satisfying plate. It is proof that simple dishes can feel like pure comfort when prepared with care and good ingredients.
Ingredients
- 100 grams ditalini pasta uncooked
- 200 ml tomato sauce canned or homemade
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper freshly ground
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese grated, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the ditalini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and stir. Season with salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked ditalini pasta into the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition
