Ditalini Delight: Roasted Tomato & Goat Cheese Pasta Perfection
Craving a comforting yet sophisticated pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Ditalini with Roasted Tomato Sauce and Goat Cheese recipe is your answer. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, impressive enough for a casual dinner party, and versatile enough to accommodate your dietary preferences and available ingredients.
## Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines because of its simple elegance. Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their sweetness and creates a deep, complex flavor that canned tomatoes simply can’t replicate. The goat cheese adds a tangy creaminess that perfectly complements the roasted tomato sauce, while the ditalini pasta, with its small, tube-like shape, catches all the delicious sauce in every bite. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more.
* **Roasted Tomatoes: Flavor Bomb:** Roasting brings out the natural sugars in tomatoes, concentrating their flavor and creating a rich, savory base for the sauce.
* **Goat Cheese: Tangy Creaminess:** Goat cheese adds a delightful tanginess and creamy texture that balances the sweetness of the roasted tomatoes.
* **Ditalini: Sauce Champion:** The small, tubular shape of ditalini pasta is perfect for catching all the delicious roasted tomato sauce and goat cheese.
* **Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor:** This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it a convenient and accessible option for any home cook.
* **Versatile and Adaptable:** Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Add different herbs, spices, vegetables, or proteins to create your own unique variation.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Ditalini Pasta:** 1 pound (about 450g). You can substitute with other small pasta shapes like orecchiette, elbow macaroni, or small shells.
* **Tomatoes:** 2 pounds (about 900g) Roma tomatoes, halved lengthwise. Roma tomatoes are ideal for roasting due to their firm texture and low water content. You can also use cherry or grape tomatoes, but adjust the roasting time accordingly.
* **Olive Oil:** 1/4 cup, plus extra for drizzling. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is essential for adding a pungent and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (or more to taste). Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.
* **Dried Oregano:** 1 teaspoon. Oregano adds an earthy and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
* **Fresh Basil:** 1/4 cup, chopped. Fresh basil adds a bright and herbaceous flavor that elevates the dish.
* **Goat Cheese:** 4 ounces (about 115g), crumbled. Use a soft, creamy goat cheese for the best results.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Season generously to bring out the flavors of the ingredients.
* **Optional:** Balsamic glaze, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley for garnish.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s start cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Ditalini with Roasted Tomato Sauce and Goat Cheese.
**Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes**
1. **Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).** Make sure your oven is properly preheated to ensure even roasting.
2. **Prepare the tomatoes.** Halve the Roma tomatoes lengthwise and place them on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lining the baking sheet makes cleanup easier.
3. **Season the tomatoes.** Drizzle the tomatoes with 1/4 cup of olive oil, then sprinkle with minced garlic, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss to ensure the tomatoes are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
4. **Roast the tomatoes.** Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly caramelized. The roasting time will vary depending on the size and ripeness of the tomatoes. Keep an eye on them and adjust the time accordingly.
5. **Cool slightly.** Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the tomatoes cool slightly before handling them.
**Step 2: Cook the Pasta**
1. **Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.** Use plenty of water and salt to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick together. A good rule of thumb is to use 4 quarts of water for every pound of pasta.
2. **Add the ditalini pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions.** Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means it is firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and unpleasant.
3. **Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.** The starchy pasta water will help to create a creamy sauce.
4. **Drain the pasta and set aside.** Drain the pasta thoroughly to remove any excess water.
**Step 3: Make the Roasted Tomato Sauce**
1. **Transfer the roasted tomatoes to a blender or food processor.** You can also use an immersion blender to blend the tomatoes directly on the baking sheet.
2. **Blend until smooth.** Blend the tomatoes until they are completely smooth, creating a rich and flavorful sauce.
3. **Pour the sauce into a large skillet or pot.** Use a skillet or pot that is large enough to accommodate the pasta and sauce.
4. **Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.** Simmering the sauce will allow the flavors to meld together and thicken slightly.
5. **Add the cooked ditalini pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.** Ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
6. **Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.** The pasta water will help to create a creamy and emulsified sauce.
7. **Stir in the crumbled goat cheese and fresh basil.** Gently stir in the goat cheese and basil until the goat cheese is slightly melted and the basil is wilted.
8. **Season with salt and black pepper to taste.** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your preferences.
**Step 4: Serve and Enjoy**
1. **Serve the ditalini with roasted tomato sauce and goat cheese immediately.** This dish is best served hot, so serve it as soon as it’s ready.
2. **Garnish with extra fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if desired.** These garnishes will add extra flavor and visual appeal to the dish.
3. **Enjoy!** Savor the delicious flavors of the roasted tomatoes, goat cheese, and ditalini pasta.
## Tips and Variations
This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to experiment and customize it to your liking. Here are some tips and variations to inspire you:
* **Add Vegetables:** Roast other vegetables along with the tomatoes, such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or eggplant. This will add extra flavor and nutrients to the dish.
* **Spice it Up:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the roasted tomatoes for a spicier sauce.
* **Add Protein:** Add cooked chicken, sausage, shrimp, or chickpeas to the pasta for a heartier meal.
* **Use Different Cheese:** If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese, feta cheese, or even Parmesan cheese. Each cheese will add a different flavor and texture to the dish.
* **Make it Vegan:** Omit the goat cheese and use a vegan Parmesan cheese alternative to make this dish vegan.
* **Add Wine:** Add a splash of dry white wine to the sauce while it’s simmering to add depth of flavor.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Experiment with different fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley, in addition to or instead of basil.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add a little lemon zest to the roasted tomatoes for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) for an even more intense tomato flavor. Chop them finely before adding to the roasting pan.
* **Anchovies:** For a savory umami boost, add 2-3 anchovy fillets (in oil, drained) to the tomatoes before roasting. They will melt into the sauce and add a subtle, salty flavor.
* **Use Different Pasta:** While ditalini is ideal, feel free to substitute with other short pasta shapes such as orecchiette, farfalle (bow ties), or penne.
## Serving Suggestions
This Ditalini with Roasted Tomato Sauce and Goat Cheese is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to the rich pasta dish.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve the pasta with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
* **Grilled Chicken or Fish:** Add a grilled chicken breast or a piece of grilled fish for a complete and satisfying meal.
## Make Ahead Tips
* **Roasted Tomatoes:** The roasted tomatoes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them before blending them into the sauce.
* **Sauce:** The roasted tomato sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat the sauce before adding the pasta.
* **Pasta:** Cooked pasta is best served immediately, but you can cook it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss the cooked pasta with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together. Reheat the pasta in boiling water for a few seconds before adding it to the sauce.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 20-25g
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Fiber: 5-7g
*Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of roasting fresh tomatoes?**
A: While roasting fresh tomatoes is highly recommended for the best flavor, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute in a pinch. Use about 2 (28-ounce) cans of diced tomatoes, drained. Simmer the sauce for a longer time (about 30 minutes) to allow the flavors to develop.
**Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?**
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers, but the texture of the goat cheese may change slightly after thawing. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
**Q: I don’t have ditalini pasta. What else can I use?**
A: Ditalini is a great choice, but other small pasta shapes like orecchiette, elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or small shells will work well too.
**Q: My sauce is too thick. How can I thin it out?**
A: Add a little more of the reserved pasta water or some vegetable broth to thin out the sauce to your desired consistency.
**Q: The sauce is too acidic. What can I do?**
A: Add a pinch of sugar or a small pat of butter to the sauce to help balance the acidity.
**Q: Can I add meat to this dish?**
A: Absolutely! Cooked Italian sausage, grilled chicken, or shrimp would all be excellent additions. Add them to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
**Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?**
A: No, traditional pasta is not gluten-free. However, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free ditalini pasta.
**Q: How can I make this spicier?**
A: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the roasted tomatoes before roasting.
**Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?**
A: Yes! Ricotta, feta, or even a dollop of mascarpone would be delicious alternatives to goat cheese.
## Conclusion
This Ditalini with Roasted Tomato Sauce and Goat Cheese recipe is a true winner. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious pasta experience! Happy cooking!