Ditalini with Roasted Tomato Sauce and Goat Cheese

Ditalini with Roasted Tomato Sauce and Goat Cheese

Introduction

What if you could enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality pasta dish without leaving your kitchen? This ditalini recipe with roasted tomato sauce and goat cheese is the perfect solution. Combining the caramelized sweetness of roasted tomatoes, the creamy tang of goat cheese, and the bite-sized charm of ditalini pasta, this recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort.

At YUMA Recipes, we’re dedicated to creating dishes that make cooking joyful, simple, and approachable. This pasta dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, cozy weekend lunches, or even as a star at your next gathering. The versatility of the recipe ensures it suits any occasion, and the wholesome ingredients make it a nutritious choice without compromising on taste.

To complete the meal, serve it alongside pumpkin leaves as a vegetable side dish or pair it with protein-packed cornbread. And for dessert, you can’t go wrong with mini pancakes or churro cheesecake bars.

Let’s get started and discover why this dish is destined to become a staple in your recipe collection!

Why You’ll Love This Ditalini Recipe

This ditalini recipe offers something for everyone, making it a dish you’ll return to time and again:

• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
• Incredible Flavor: Roasting the tomatoes deepens their natural sweetness, while goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy richness that ties everything together.
• Family-Friendly: Ditalini pasta’s small, tube-like shape is fun for kids and hearty enough for adults.
• Versatile and Customizable: Whether you’re in the mood for a vegetarian option, want to add protein, or prefer a spicy kick, this recipe adapts easily to suit your preferences.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Made with fresh tomatoes, olive oil, and basil, this dish is packed with nutrients and vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Delicious Pasta Recipe

This dish comes together using simple, fresh ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen.

Main Ingredients

• Ditalini Pasta (2 cups): The perfect pasta for capturing the creamy, flavorful sauce.
• Fresh Tomatoes (6 large, preferably San Marzano or Roma): These varieties are ideal for roasting due to their natural sweetness and robust flavor.
• Goat Cheese (½ cup, crumbled): Adds tanginess and creaminess that complement the roasted tomatoes beautifully.
• Garlic Cloves (4, minced): Provides a fragrant, savory base for the sauce.
• Olive Oil (3 tbsp): Essential for roasting the tomatoes and enriching the sauce.
• Fresh Basil Leaves (a handful): Garnishes the dish with a pop of color and fresh, aromatic flavor.

Optional Ingredients

• Red Pepper Flakes (½ tsp): For those who enjoy a little heat in their pasta dishes.
• Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated): A nutty, savory addition that enhances the goat cheese.
• Heavy Cream (2 tbsp): Adds silkiness and richness to the sauce for a luxurious finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Ditalini with Roasted Tomato Sauce and Goat Cheese

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

Roasting tomatoes is the heart of this recipe, intensifying their natural sweetness and adding a smoky depth.

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes in half and place them cut side up on a baking sheet. Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
3. Roast: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are caramelized and the tomatoes are tender and juicy.
4. Blend or Mash: Let the roasted tomatoes cool slightly, then puree them into a smooth sauce using a blender or immersion blender. For a chunkier texture, mash them with a fork instead.

Pro Tip: If your tomatoes taste overly acidic, adding a pinch of sugar before roasting helps balance the flavors, resulting in a sweeter, more harmonious sauce. Not only does the sugar mellow the acidity, but it also enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes as they caramelize in the oven. Additionally, you can experiment with alternatives like honey or maple syrup for a subtle depth of flavor. Furthermore, roasting the tomatoes longer until they develop lightly charred edges can further reduce acidity while adding a smoky undertone. This simple adjustment ensures your sauce is perfectly balanced, no matter the ripeness of your tomatoes.

Step 2: Cook the Ditalini Pasta

Perfectly cooked pasta is essential for this dish, and here’s how to get it just right:

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Salt adds flavor to the pasta as it cooks.
2. Cook the Pasta: Add the ditalini and stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente, typically 8–10 minutes, following the package instructions.
3. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, save ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. This will help adjust the sauce later.

Tip: Avoid rinsing the pasta after draining. The starch left on the pasta helps the sauce cling to it better.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

This step brings the roasted tomatoes to life, transforming them into a rich, flavorful sauce:

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the roasted tomato puree and let it simmer gently for 5–7 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
4. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired texture.
5. Season: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Optional: Stir in heavy cream during the final minutes of cooking for a creamy, velvety finish. This simple addition not only enhances the sauce’s texture but also provides a luxurious richness that takes the dish to the next level. Furthermore, the cream helps to round out the flavors, balancing the acidity of the roasted tomatoes while complementing the tanginess of the goat cheese. For those who prefer a lighter option, half-and-half or even a splash of milk can achieve a similar, though less indulgent, effect. Additionally, the cream blends effortlessly into the sauce, creating a smooth and cohesive texture that clings beautifully to the ditalini pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or a special occasion, this small step adds an elegant touch to your dish.

Step 4: Combine and Garnish

Bringing the elements together is the most satisfying part of the recipe:

1. Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked ditalini to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently until each piece of pasta is coated in the rich tomato sauce.
2. Add Goat Cheese: Turn off the heat and fold in the crumbled goat cheese. Let it melt slightly, creating a creamy, tangy finish.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese over the top for added flavor and a visually appealing presentation.

Serve immediately and enjoy the incredible combination of flavors and textures!

Tips for Perfecting Your Ditalini Recipe

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh, ripe tomatoes and high-quality goat cheese make all the difference in this recipe.
• Don’t Skip Roasting: Roasting tomatoes caramelizes their natural sugars and adds complexity to the sauce.
• Use Reserved Pasta Water: The starchy water helps create a cohesive sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
• Taste as You Go: Adjusting seasoning at each step ensures a perfectly balanced dish.
• Experiment with Garnishes: Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can be used as alternatives to basil for a different flavor profile.

Delicious Variations and Customizations

This ditalini recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to adapt it to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Add Proteins

• Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta can make the dish heartier and more filling.
• For a vegetarian protein boost, consider adding chickpeas or white beans.

Vegetarian Enhancements

• Toss in roasted zucchini, marinated artichokes, or sautéed spinach for added nutrients and flavor.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, chewy contrast to the creamy sauce.

Spicy Twist

• Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or drizzle chili oil over the finished dish for an extra kick.

Dairy-Free Option

• Replace goat cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or use cashew cream for a plant-based version.

Low-Carb Alternative

• Swap ditalini with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash for a lighter, low-carb option.

Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal

Sides

• Pumpkin leaves as a vegetable side dish add a nutritious and earthy complement.
• Protein-packed cornbread is a hearty addition that pairs wonderfully with the creamy pasta.

Desserts

• **[Mini pancakes](https://yumarecipes.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-mini-panc

akes/)** or churro cheesecake bars are excellent options to end your meal on a sweet note.

Conclusion

This ditalini recipe with roasted tomato sauce and goat cheese is the perfect marriage of simplicity, flavor, and elegance. From the caramelized sweetness of roasted tomatoes to the creamy tang of goat cheese, every bite is a reminder of how satisfying homemade meals can be.

At YUMA Recipes, we’re passionate about bringing joy to your kitchen with recipes that inspire and satisfy. Try this dish today, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)