10+ Ditalini Pasta Recipes to Try for Quick and Delicious Meals

Ditalini pasta, those tiny tube shapes, show up in all sorts of dishes. It’s easy to cook and goes with so many sauces and ingredients.

You can use ditalini pasta to create quick, tasty meals that fit different tastes and occasions.

Maybe you’re craving something creamy, or maybe something lighter and fresh. Ditalini pasta recipes offer a lot of choices, honestly.

They’re easy enough for beginners, but still satisfying if you know your way around a kitchen.

1) Creamy Cacio e Pepe Ditalini Pasta

This one’s a creamy twist on the classic Italian cacio e pepe, but with ditalini. Pecorino Romano and lots of black pepper bring the main flavors.

The cheese melts into the hot pasta water, making a rich sauce that clings to every piece. You’ll cook the ditalini until it’s just al dente, then toss everything together.

Stir well to get that creamy finish—no cream needed. It’s fast and full of flavor.

If you want to try it, here’s the full recipe for tips on making the sauce extra creamy: Creamy Cacio e Pepe Ditalini Pasta.

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound ditalini pasta
• 3/4 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup reserved pasta water
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil salted water and cook ditalini until al dente.
2. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain the pasta.
3. In a large pan, toast black pepper briefly over medium heat.
4. Lower heat and add pasta, cheese, and a little pasta water.
5. Stir quickly to create a creamy sauce, adding more water if needed.
6. Serve immediately while warm.

2) Garlic Parmesan Chicken Ditalini Pasta

This dish is all about creamy, cheesy comfort with tender chicken and ditalini. You cook everything in one pot, so cleanup’s a breeze.

Garlic brings a gentle kick without overpowering things. The Parmesan cheese melts right in, making the sauce rich and smooth.

Browning the chicken first gives it more flavor. Then you add garlic, pasta, and broth, letting everything simmer until the pasta’s soft and the sauce thickens up.

Ingredients

• 1/2 box ditalini pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3-4 chicken thighs
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Cook chicken thighs until browned and cooked through, about 7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Add garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Stir in pasta and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
5. Cover and simmer until pasta is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
6. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
7. Return chicken to the pan to warm through. Serve warm.

More details are available in the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe.

3) One-Pan Creamy Ditalini with Chicken Broth

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high. Add the ditalini and give it a quick sauté to toast the pasta a bit.

Pour in chicken broth right over the pasta. This way, you don’t need extra pots.

Stir often so nothing sticks. As the pasta soaks up the broth, it turns creamy—no heavy cream required.

Toss in garlic or cheese if you want a little more flavor. It’s a time-saver and super comforting.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/4 cups ditalini pasta
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (optional)
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan on medium-high.
2. Add ditalini pasta, sauté 30-60 seconds.
3. Pour in chicken broth, stir well.
4. Cook, stirring often, until pasta is tender and creamy, about 10-12 minutes.
5. Stir in garlic and Parmesan if using. Serve warm.

4) Ditalini with Olive Oil, Garlic, and Vegetable Broth

Start by heating extra virgin olive oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and cook just until it smells amazing—don’t let it brown, or it’ll get bitter.

Add the ditalini and stir to coat it in the garlicky oil. Pour in enough vegetable broth to cover the pasta.

Let it simmer until the pasta’s tender and most of the broth is gone. You’ll get a creamy texture, even though there’s no cream.

Give it a stir now and then to keep it from sticking. Add more broth if the pasta gets too dry.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz ditalini pasta (about 2 cups)
• 3 cups vegetable broth (or more if needed)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add ditalini pasta, stirring to coat with oil.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and broth is mostly absorbed (about 12-15 minutes).
6. Add more broth if needed to keep pasta moist.
7. Serve warm.

5) Creamy Garlic Butter Ditalini Pasta

This creamy garlic butter ditalini pasta is so simple, but the flavor’s big. Butter and garlic melt together, making a smooth, rich sauce that hugs every piece.

Ditalini cooks right in chicken broth, so it’s never dry. Heavy cream at the end makes it extra silky.

Toss in Parmesan or some herbs if you want. It’s a quick fix for a busy night.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 1/4 cup ditalini pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: grated Parmesan

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Add ditalini pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender (about 10 minutes).
5. Stir in heavy cream and heat through.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan if using.
7. Serve warm.

You can find a recipe like this on TikTok.

6) Viral TikTok Ditalini Pasta Recipe

This viral ditalini pasta recipe is super easy and creamy. You cook the pasta right in chicken broth, so it’s packed with flavor.

Once the pasta’s cooked, stir in heavy cream and parmesan. The sauce turns smooth and clings to every bite.

If you want even more flavor, add garlic and olive oil at the start. It all comes together in one pot—can’t beat that for a quick meal.

Ingredients

• 1/2 box ditalini pasta
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Add ditalini pasta and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
5. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
7. Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm.

For more details, check this viral ditalini pasta recipe.

7) Ditalini Macaroni Salad with Parm & Pesto Dressing

This ditalini macaroni salad is fresh and perfect for warm weather. You’ll get small pasta, sweet peas, cherry tomatoes, and prosciutto all tossed together.

The creamy Parmesan and pesto dressing really brings it all together. It’s a nice blend—rich, but not heavy.

You can make it ahead and chill it for a picnic or BBQ. The dressing combines pesto, Parmesan, and a bit of mayo or cream for a smooth finish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups ditalini pasta
• 1/2 cup chopped prosciutto
• 1/2 cup sweet peas
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup pesto
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise or heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook ditalini pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.
2. In a bowl, mix Parmesan, pesto, and mayo or cream to make the dressing.
3. Add pasta, prosciutto, peas, and tomatoes to the dressing. Stir gently.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

8) Ditalini Pasta Fagioli Soup

Ditalini Pasta Fagioli Soup is a cozy Italian classic. You mix small ditalini pasta with beans and fresh veggies in a flavorful broth.

If you want more protein, toss in ground beef or sausage. The beans make the soup creamy, even though there’s no actual cream.

The broth gets its flavor from garlic, onions, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. Crusty bread on the side? Always a good idea.

You can make the whole thing in one pot, which is honestly a relief on busy nights.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef or sausage (optional)
• 2 cups cannellini or navy beans
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried rosemary or thyme
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef or sausage if you’re using it. Cook until browned.
3. Stir in onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Let them soften up.
4. Pour in broth, beans, and herbs. Bring the pot to a boil.
5. Lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Toss in the ditalini pasta. Cook until the pasta’s tender, about 8–10 minutes.
7. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve it hot.

For more on this recipe, check out the Ditalini Pasta Fagioli Soup recipe.

9) Beef and Spinach Tomato Soup with Ditalini

This soup is warm and filling. You get tender beef, fresh spinach, and a pop of tomato in every bite.

Ditalini pasta brings a nice texture to the bowl. I think it makes each spoonful feel hearty.

It’s honestly pretty easy to make. Want more flavor? Top it with some grated cheese.

The fresh herbs really wake up the aroma. You’ll notice it as soon as you lift the lid.

Cook it on the stove in about 45 minutes. Serve it with crusty bread or a light salad if you’re feeling fancy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 1 pound shredded or ground beef
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the beef with onion and garlic in a large pot.
2. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, and basil. Give it a good stir.
3. Bring everything to a boil, then let it simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Add ditalini pasta. Cook for 10 minutes until the pasta’s just right.
5. Stir in chopped spinach. Let it cook for about 3 more minutes.
6. Add salt and pepper. Serve with Parmesan if you want.

You can toss in other veggies if you like. Enjoy your soup!

Curious about the details? Here’s the Beef and Spinach Tomato Soup recipe.

10) Creamy Ditalini Pasta with Heavy Whipping Cream

Start by heating olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Toss in minced garlic and stir for a minute, just until it smells amazing.

Add the ditalini pasta and give it a quick mix. Pour in chicken broth and let the pasta cook on low heat.

Stir often. Most of the broth will cook off.

Once that happens, add heavy whipping cream. Mix it in so the pasta turns creamy.

Keep cooking until the sauce thickens and coats every piece. Add black pepper for a little kick.

This dish is simple and comforting. It’s honestly perfect for a quick meal.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces ditalini pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 ¼ cups chicken broth
• 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1.5 teaspoons cracked black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a splash of olive oil over medium-low.

2. Toss in the garlic and give it a good stir for about a minute.

3. Add the ditalini pasta next, stirring it around for another minute or so.

4. Pour in the chicken broth. Let everything simmer gently on low heat.

5. Keep an eye on it—cook until most of the broth disappears, which usually takes 8 to 10 minutes.

6. Splash in the heavy whipping cream and stir until it all comes together.

7. Let it cook just a bit longer, until the sauce thickens up.

8. Crack in some black pepper and serve it up warm.

If you want more info or just like looking at food photos, check out this creamy ditalini pasta recipe.