Let us introduce you to Acini di Pepe, a small, round pasta that’s perfect for broth-based soups and pasta salads. If you’re new to this pasta, start by using it in our delicious Italian Wedding Soup. Follow along as we share all the fun and unexpected ways to use this pasta in soup, pasta salad, and dessert recipes.
Light And Versatile Acini di Pepe Pasta
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 guests asking you for your recipe.
What You Will Need
- water – simply boil to cook your pasta.
- acini di pepe pasta – this little pasta looks more like tiny cylinders, but become a round shape once cooked. If you can’t find this at your local grocery store, orzo pasta is a decent substitute, but will just have to be cooked a tad longer.
- kosher salt – Just a little bit to add some flavor.
How To Make Acini di Pepe
Start by adding water and a pinch of salt to a medium sized sauce pan and place it over medium-high heat on your stove. Cover the pan to bring the water to a boil quicker. Meanwhile, measure the pasta and set it aside until the water is boiling. Once the water is boiling, remove the cover and pour in the pasta.
Bring the water down to a simmer and occasionally stir the water and pasta mixture for 8-10 minutes or until it is fully cooked. Taste a small pasta piece to ensure it is cooked to your likeness.
Strain the pasta using a fine mesh sieve.
Now is the time to get creative! This pasta is great in soups, pasta salads, and even desserts!
Best Ways To Use Acini di Pepe
Our 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. Ever heard of frog eye salad? Check it out if you’re looking for an unexpected, but refreshing dessert option. Or freshen up your favorite pasta salad recipe and use this little pasta instead!
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? Because of their similar size and shape, these two pastas often get confused. While both pastas are made with semolina flour, they have slightly different cooking methods, flavors, and textures. Acini di pepe is simmered and has a mild texture and flavor. 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: 1 pound cooked pasta 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.
Jim says
I love tiny pasta especially in soups.
Sometimes, I’ll eat a bowl with just butter, salt and pepper. So comforting.