American Beauty, New World Pasta Company · 56 g
Ditalini Pasta
What it is
Ditalini are small, short tubes of pasta, often described as resembling thimbles. They are a type of Italian pasta made from durum wheat semolina. Their small size and shape make them ideal for absorbing flavors from broths and sauces. They cook relatively quickly due to their small dimensions. This pasta is a staple in many Italian-American kitchens.
How people cook with it
This pasta is commonly used in soups and pasta salads. Its compact size makes it easy to eat with a spoon.
- In hearty soups
- For pasta salads
- As a side dish
- In baked casseroles
To cook ditalini, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions until al dente, which means tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta well. It can then be added directly to soups or tossed with dressing for salads. It is also excellent baked into dishes where its small shape helps distribute evenly.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to larger pasta shapes like penne or spaghetti, ditalini's small, tubular form allows it to cook faster and absorb more liquid from broths. This makes it particularly well-suited for dishes where the pasta is meant to be a small component within a larger mixture, rather than the main focus.
Who it is for
Home cooks who enjoy preparing traditional Italian-inspired dishes will find this pasta versatile.
How to keep the rest
Store any unused ditalini in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing moisture or odors from the pantry. Properly stored, it can last for a long time.