Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that combines creamy textures with vibrant, robust flavors, look no further than the Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe. This delightful recipe brings together tiny acini di pepe pasta with luscious roasted tomatoes and the rich creaminess of stracciatella cheese, creating a comfort meal that feels both elegant and heartwarming. It’s a perfect balance of fresh, roasted, and creamy sensations that will keep you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursts of flavor: Roasted tomatoes add a deep, sweet, and slightly smoky taste that elevates the dish.
• Creamy indulgence: Stracciatella cheese melts into soft pockets of creamy deliciousness throughout the pasta.
• Quick and simple: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make it ideal for any weeknight dinner.
• Light yet satisfying: The small pasta size and fresh ingredients deliver a comforting meal without heaviness.
• Versatile base: Easily adapted for vegetarian, gluten-free, or extra veggie additions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe recipe is carefully selected to contribute to its harmonious taste and texture. From the tangy roasted tomatoes that bring vibrant color to the creamy, dreamy stracciatella cheese, every component matters.

• Acini di pepe pasta: These tiny round pasta pearls soak up sauces beautifully, giving the dish a fun, delicate texture.
• Cherry tomatoes: Perfect for roasting, they provide natural sweetness and juiciness.
• Stracciatella cheese: Fresh and creamy, it adds a luscious richness that melts into the pasta.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses a fragrant depth that complements the roasted tomatoes wonderfully.
• Olive oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for roasting and sautéing to boost flavor and silkiness.
• Fresh basil: Adds a bright herbal note that lifts the entire dish.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all flavors.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick if you enjoy a little heat.

Variations for Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe

Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on this recipe! It easily adapts to different dietary preferences and flavor profiles, making it fun and flexible to customize.

• Protein boost: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra heartiness.
• Veggie overload: Toss in sautéed spinach, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers for vibrant color and nutrition.
• Dairy-free option: Swap stracciatella with a creamy cashew or almond-based cheese alternative.
• Herbs twist: Experiment with oregano, thyme, or parsley alongside basil to vary the herbal notes.
• Make it spicy: Increase red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce for heat lovers.

How to Make Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

Begin by tossing cherry tomatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until they’re soft, caramelized, and bursting with sweet flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Acini di Pepe

While the tomatoes roast, boil salted water and cook the acini di pepe pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for the sauce consistency.

Step 3: Combine and Sauté

In a large pan, add a drizzle of olive oil and toss the drained pasta. Stir in the roasted tomatoes with their juices, gently mixing to coat the pasta well. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.

Step 4: Add Stracciatella

Turn off the heat and fold in generous spoonfuls of stracciatella cheese. The warm pasta will gently melt the cheese, forming delightful creamy pockets throughout the dish.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a gentle heat. Give everything one last toss and taste to adjust seasoning. Serve immediately for the best creamy, cozy experience.

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe

• Tomatoes choice: Use ripe, sweet cherry or grape tomatoes for the best roasting result.
• Don’t overcook pasta: Keep it al dente to maintain texture and prevent mushiness after mixing.
• Reserve pasta water: It’s a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency and harmony.
• Fresh cheese timing: Add stracciatella off the heat to preserve its creamy texture instead of melting it into a blob.
• Roast garlic whole: Roasting whole garlic cloves with tomatoes mellows their flavor and adds sweetness.

How to Serve Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves, cracked black pepper, and a drizzle of quality olive oil make perfect garnishes that elevate the look and taste. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts adds a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread to mop up every silky bite of the sauce. Light roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans also complement the warm tomato notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe in shallow bowls to showcase its creamy texture and vibrant roasted tomatoes. For a dinner party, add individual basil sprigs on top and a small dollop of fresh stracciatella for an inviting, rustic presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will develop, but fresh stracciatella is best added just before serving again.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well, as the texture of both the roasted tomatoes and stracciatella can be compromised upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent dryness, stirring often. Add fresh stracciatella after warming to restore the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta besides acini di pepe?

Absolutely! While acini di pepe is traditional and adds a delightful texture, small pastas like orzo, couscous, or tiny shells can be great alternatives.

Is stracciatella cheese hard to find?

Stracciatella can be found in many grocery stores, often in the fresh cheese or mozzarella section. If unavailable, burrata or fresh mozzarella can be a wonderful substitute.

How spicy is the dish?

The recipe is naturally mild, but red pepper flakes can be added according to your heat preference to give it a subtle kick.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

Yes! Swap stracciatella for a creamy plant-based cheese or cashew cream, and ensure the pasta is egg-free for a delicious vegan variation.

What wine pairs well with Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe?

A crisp, dry white like Pinot Grigio or a light, fruity rosé complements the creamy pasta with roasted tomatoes beautifully.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the combination of creamy stracciatella and sweet roasted tomatoes amid the delicate acini di pepe pasta. This Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe recipe brings a burst of flavor and comforting texture to your table with minimal effort. Give it a try and savor every creamy, tangy, fresh bite—you just might have found your new favorite go-to meal!

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