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To make Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta, gather these simple ingredients: - 8 ounces ditalini pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy) - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juice) - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in building flavor. The ditalini pasta gives a fun shape and texture. Olive oil adds richness, while Italian sausage brings hearty flavor. The onion and garlic build a savory base. Red bell pepper adds sweetness and color. Diced tomatoes provide acidity and moisture. Chicken broth enhances the sauce, making it rich. Oregano and red pepper flakes add aromatic notes. Fresh spinach gives a nice pop of green and nutrients. Grated Parmesan cheese provides a salty finish. Finally, fresh basil leaves brighten the dish. Using these ingredients, you can create a meal that delights everyone at the table. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add a generous pinch of salt. This step is key to flavoring your pasta. Next, add 8 ounces of ditalini pasta to the pot. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add 1 pound of Italian sausage, either mild or spicy, based on your taste. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook the sausage until it turns brown and is no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes. The sausage adds a rich flavor that makes this dish special. Once the sausage is cooked, stir in a finely chopped small onion and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook these until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add 1 diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the bell pepper is tender. The colors and scents of the vegetables will brighten your dish. Now, it’s time to create the sauce. Add a can of 14.5 ounces of diced tomatoes, including the juice, and 1 cup of chicken broth to the skillet. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and add salt and pepper to taste. If you like heat, consider adding 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir everything well and bring it to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Next, add the cooked ditalini pasta and 1 cup of fresh spinach to the skillet. Gently stir everything together. This will help the spinach wilt into the warm pasta and sauce. Cook for about 2 minutes until the spinach is just wilted. This step adds both nutrition and color to your dish. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Mix in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it is well blended. This cheese brings a creamy texture and rich taste. Taste your dish and add more salt and pepper if needed. To serve, divide the pasta among plates or place it in a large bowl. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if you like. Enjoy your delicious Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta! When picking sausage, you can choose between mild or spicy. Mild sausage gives a rich flavor without much heat. Spicy sausage adds a nice kick that warms the dish. I recommend using Italian sausage for the best taste. Brands like Johnsonville or Aidells work well. To make the sauce perfect, you can adjust the flavors. If it tastes too bland, add more salt or pepper. For thickness, let the sauce simmer longer. You can also add dried herbs like basil or thyme. If you want extra heat, add red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount, then taste and adjust. Cooking pasta al dente means it’s firm but not hard. To achieve this, boil ditalini in salted water for about 7-9 minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking. Once done, drain the pasta but do not rinse. Rinsing washes away the starch that helps the sauce stick. Pro Tips Choose Your Sausage Wisely: The flavor of the dish largely depends on the type of Italian sausage you use. Opt for high-quality, fresh sausage for the best taste. Customize the Heat: If you love a bit of spice, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick! Fresh Ingredients Matter: Whenever possible, use fresh spinach and high-quality Parmesan cheese. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall flavor and texture of the dish. Cooking Pasta Perfectly: Always cook pasta until al dente for the best texture. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce, ensuring it doesn’t become mushy. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta for a new taste. Ground turkey or chicken works well. They provide a lighter option while still keeping the dish hearty. If you want a meat-free meal, try vegetarian sausage. It offers similar flavors and texture and pairs great with the sauce. Feel free to get creative with the vegetables in your pasta. You can add zucchini, mushrooms, or even kale. Each adds a unique flavor and boosts nutrition. Seasonal vegetables are also fun to use. In spring, fresh asparagus adds a nice crunch. In the fall, roasted butternut squash brings sweetness. Cheese can change the dish's flavor and creaminess. Instead of Parmesan, try mozzarella for a melty bite. Feta cheese adds a tangy twist that contrasts nicely with the sausage. If you follow a vegan diet, choose a nut-based cheese. Many options melt well and taste great, too. To keep your Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent the pasta from drying out. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will last for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. You can freeze this pasta dish if you want to save some for later. Let it cool completely before packing it into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as the pasta will expand. It will stay good in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. To use it, move the container to the fridge overnight to thaw. You can also thaw it in the microwave for quicker results. When you want to reheat the pasta, use low heat on the stove. This keeps the texture nice. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help bring back some moisture. Stir the pasta gently as you heat it. If using the microwave, cover the dish to trap steam. This method keeps your pasta from drying out. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! To make Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta gluten-free, you can use gluten-free ditalini pasta. There are many brands available that offer great taste and texture. You can also use other gluten-free pasta shapes like rice or quinoa pasta. For gluten-free cooking, always check labels. Some sauces and broths may contain gluten. Use certified gluten-free chicken broth for safety. Also, clean your cooking space and utensils to avoid cross-contamination. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the pasta and sauce, then store them separately in the fridge. Keep the pasta in a sealed container. Store the sauce in a different container. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming mushy. When you are ready to eat, reheat the sauce on the stove. Warm it gently over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if it gets too thick. Cook the pasta in boiling water for a few minutes to warm it up. Then combine both for a delicious meal. You can serve this pasta with a fresh green salad. A simple salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette works well. Garlic bread is another great choice. It adds a nice crunch and pairs perfectly with the pasta. For extra flavor, consider serving roasted vegetables on the side. They bring color and nutrients to the meal. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh basil on top of your dish for added taste and presentation. This blog post guided you through making Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for success. We explored variations, storage, and answered common questions. Trying different proteins or veggies can add your unique twist. This dish is simple and full of flavor. Enjoy making it again and again! A delicious meal awaits that you can share with loved ones. Happy cooking!

Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta 💖🍝

A delicious and hearty pasta dish featuring ditalini pasta, Italian sausage, and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces ditalini pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ditalini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes. Then add the diced red bell pepper and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until soft.
  • Add in the diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let simmer for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  • Add the cooked ditalini pasta and fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir gently to combine, allowing the spinach to wilt into the warm pasta and sauce, about 2 minutes.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until well incorporated. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  • Divide the pasta among plates or serve in a large family-style bowl. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice level by choosing mild or spicy sausage.
Keyword dinner, Italian, pasta, sausage