Ditalini Pasta

A small tubular pasta used in soups. Ditalini is made in a smooth tube or with ridges (rigatti). The name ditalini means "little thimbles". The classic use for this pasta is for Pasta E Fagioli, pasta and bean soup.

Ditalini is similar to tubettini in shape but it is about 2 x's larger. 

How Long To Cook Ditalini OR Salad Macaroni

Bring 4-6 quarts of water to boil. Salt to taste. Add the pasta, stir,  and bring the water back to a full boil.  Stir the pasta occasionally as it cooks.  Cook 8-10 minutes. Drain.

If you don't have ditalini you can substitute equal amounts of either of these which are very similar:

• Tubettini (smaller)
• OR> Salad macaroni(almost the same size)

Or for soup making you can use one of these which are much smaller and cook faster:

• Orzo
• Acini di pepe