Ditalini

What is ditalini?

Ditalini is a very small, tube pasta noodle. The literal translation from the Italian language to English is "small thimbles,” and in certain regions the pasta is described as "salad macaroni." Commonly used as a pasta for soups such as Pasta e Fagioli, the delicate shape of ditalini makes it a superb pasta addition that will absorb broth flavor and still remain tender.  

What kinds of ditalini can I buy? 

Supermarket Italy has the ditalini you need for pasta salad, soup and more. Barilla, the classic Blue Box Pasta, offers Pasta Ditalini in a 1 lb size. For those with gluten sensitivities or Celiac disease, Le Veneziane Ditalini Corn Gluten-Free Pasta and La Fabbrica Della Pasta Gluten Free Ditaloni Rigati are two great pasta noodle options that everyone can enjoy.

What can I make with ditalini? 

Its size being ideal for fitting on a spoon, ditalini is a perfect pasta for soup. Add this ring pasta to minestrone, chicken noodle soup, Pasta e Fagioli, or even a hearty beef stew. Ditalini may be used in several pasta dishes, including cold and hot pasta salad. For a regional specialty, try pasta chi vruocculi 'rriminati, a pasta and broccoli dish found in Sicily.