Acini di Pepe translates to peppercorn in Italian, but they are actually much smaller than a peppercorn, making them the perfect addition to soups, pasta salads, and even desserts. This unexpected little pasta is also a symbol of fertility, which is why it is often found in Italian Wedding Soup. No matter what you’re making it for, this fun pasta is sure to have your dinner guests asking you for your recipe.
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Key Ingredient
- acini di pepe pasta – this is the obvious key ingredient and it is typically found in your local grocery store. If you can’t find it, feel free to use orzo pasta in your recipe, but it will need to cook a little bit longer and looks more like rice (but is still pasta).
How To Make Acini di Pepe
Best Ways To Use Acini di Pepe
There are a few different options for using this type of pasta, that you are going to love –
- Soup: Italian Wedding Soup is our favorite way to use this pasta, but don’t let us hold you back. You could use this pasta in place of egg or spaghetti noodles in your favorite chicken noodle soup.
- Pasta Salad: make a delicious and fresh side dish – Acini di Pepe Salad!
- Dessert: Ever heard of a Frog Eye Salad? Check it out if you’re looking for an unexpected, but refreshing dessert option.
Storage
Store this pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Recipe FAQs
- Is acini di pepe the same as coucous? These two pastas often get confused. Both are made with semolina flour, however, they have slightly different cooking methods, flavors, and textures. Acini di pepe has a mild texture and flavor. And couscous has a shorter cooking time and is steamed. It also becomes much larger and plumper than acini di pepe and has a nuttier flavor.
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How to Cook Acini di Pepe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: How-To
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
Learn all about How to Cook Acini di Pepe pasta! We cover what it is, how to cook it and our favorite way to use it!
Ingredients
- 6qt water
- 1 pound acini di pepe pasta
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Add water and salt to a large sauce pan and bring to a boil.
- Add acini de pepe pasta. Reduce to a simmer and let cook approx. 8-10 minutes or until fully cooked, stirring occasionally.
- Drain and use in your favorite recipe – we love it in this Italian Wedding Soup!
Notes
- Acini di pepe vs. coucous: These are different types of pastas that require different cooking directions. Do not confuse the two.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6oz
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 186.8 mg
- Fat: 0.9 g
- Carbohydrates: 42.3 g
- Fiber: 1.8 g
- Protein: 7.4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jim says
I love tiny pasta especially in soups.
Sometimes, I’ll eat a bowl with just butter, salt and pepper. So comforting.