Ditalini pasta is a small pasta variety that has a tubular shape and is also called “little thimbles.” It works in everything from soups and salads to one-pan meals. Its compact size also speeds up the cooking time, which makes it the perfect ingredient to put together quick and healthy meals on busy weeknights.

Whether you’re looking to put a quick meal on the table or prepare something elaborate, these delicious ditalini recipes will give you a fantastic culinary experience. Make them once, and you’ll be tempted to put them on a meal rotation.

#1. Baked Ditali & Creamy Tomato Sauce

Comforting pasta, nutrition-dense broccoli, a garlic breadcrumb topping that balances the contrasting flavors of the rich tomato sauce — this baked ditalini recipe has everything you’d want from a casserole. Serve it at parties or potlucks and watch it disappear in minutes!

#2. Cheesy Ditalini with Mixed Greens

If you live with fussy eaters who balk at the first sight of greens, you need this recipe on hand! This healthy and inviting meal combines pasta with salty and nutty cheese, aromatic onion and garlic, and fresh greens to produce a dreamy dish. Serve with chicken or fish for a well-rounded dinner.

#3. Chopped Greek Pasta Salad

Chock full of healthy carbs and proteins, this recipe also features fresh veggies to up the nutrition. Make this light yet filling dish by tossing artichokes, chickpeas, ditalini pasta, feta cheese, olives, and veggies with a rich and tangy Greek vinaigrette to enjoy a wonderful marriage of flavors. Remember to make enough to accommodate second servings.

#4. Ditalini E Faglio Soup with Spinach and Parmesan

This recipe uses simple, staple ingredients to create a restaurant-level soup, so you know we had to include it here! Simply simmer beans and tomato with tender, aromatic celery and garlic, then add broth, spinach, and ditalini pasta along with seasonings and cook until the pasta is done. Serve topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to enjoy.

#5. Ditalini Pasta Salad (Vegetarian & Vegan)

Loaded with fresh veggies, this is a vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free pasta salad. It’s flavored with aromatic herbs, with each bite given a flavor boost from the bright and fresh lemon vinaigrette dressing. Make this summertime recipe ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, and serve it for lunches, parties, or potlucks.

#6. Ditalini Pasta with Olives & Feta

This pasta recipe uses just five ingredients to create a quick and easy meal — perfect for busy weeknights! The combination of tangy cheese, fresh lemon, and olives complement the savory flavors of the ditalini pasta. This simple recipe produces a dish that will make every bite feel exquisite. Safe to say, it will quickly become a staple in your weeknight meal menu.

#7. Ditalini Pasta with Peas and Parmesan

In this recipe, the addition of smooth, starchy peas to ditalini transforms the classic pasta recipe into something divine. The flavors and textures of the two ingredients marry well. Coat them with Parmesan to add a sharp taste to the mix and enhance the flavor profile. It’s an easy recipe with simple ingredients and will quickly become your go-to comfort food.

#8. Lemon Chicken Ditalini

This recipe yields a dish that is an absolute feast for the senses. It comes together in a little over 30 minutes, which makes it a perfect option for busy weeknights! Make it with ditalini, chicken breast, various veggies, and a host of herbs and spices to add some flavor to your dinner menu.

#9. Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Packed with olives, tomatoes, pepper, artichokes, and cheese, this ditalini pasta salad is tossed in a wonderful dressing infused with fresh garlic and oregano. The seasonings used in this recipe are perfect for enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients. This vibrant and filling salad brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your dinner table.

#10. One Pan Meatballs and Pasta Skillet

This decadent recipe combines the best of both worlds — meatballs and pasta — to produce a one-skillet meal that will make cooking on busy weeknights a breeze. It features tender ditalini and melt-in-the-mouth, savory meatballs, smothered in a tomato-based sauce. The recipe creates layers of flavors that’ll complement every palate. Did we mention it comes together in just about half an hour?

#11. One-Pot Ditalini Risotto with Spicy Chicken Sausage

Pasta risotto sounds like a dish you’ll have trouble nailing down, but this recipe makes it super simple to create a delicious meal. The addition of protein-rich sausage makes this meal filling and nutritious. This succulent, easy-to-make dish is full of creamy goodness and mouth-watering flavors that deliver a culinary masterpiece.

#12. Pasta with Peas and Bacon

If you’re looking for a recipe that will please everyone’s taste buds, you need to try this easy pasta recipe. It has the classic combination of pasta and bacon along with green peas to create a wholesome meal. The fragrant and flavorful onion and garlic as well as other seasonings make this pasta incredibly flavorsome.

#13. Roasted Tomato Fresh Mozzarella Pasta

This summertime dish is so good that you’ll want to keep making it every week! It includes roasted tomatoes bursting with garlic and herb flavors, sweet and crispy corn, and fresh and creamy mozzarella along with ditalini pasta. Finish it off with a garnish of fresh basil. And make sure you have extras — this dish is sure to fly off the table.

#14. Slow Cooker Sausage Ditalini

This slow-cooker recipe will keep you cozy on cold winter days and fill your home with wonderful aromas as it cooks. Make it with ditalini pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh green beans, corn, and sausage all cooked in beef broth. Add Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic salt, and tomato soup to infuse layers of delicious flavors. The best part? It practically comes together on its own so feel free to relax as the slow cooker works its magic!