Description

Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe is a comforting yet elegant dish that combines tender tiny pasta pearls with sweet, smoky roasted cherry tomatoes and creamy, luscious stracciatella cheese. Enhanced by garlic, fresh basil, and a hint of spice, this quick and simple recipe balances fresh, roasted, and creamy flavors for a versatile, satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

1 cup acini di pepe pasta
2 cups cherry tomatoes
4 oz stracciatella cheese
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil leaves, chopped (about 1/4 cup)

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Instructions

Roast the Tomatoes: Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until soft, caramelized, and bursting with flavor.
Cook the Acini di Pepe: While tomatoes roast, bring salted water to a boil and cook acini di pepe pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
Combine and Sauté: In a large pan, add a drizzle of olive oil and toss in the drained pasta. Stir in roasted tomatoes with their juices, mixing gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
Add Stracciatella: Turn off the heat and fold in spoonfuls of stracciatella cheese. The warm pasta will gently melt the cheese, forming creamy pockets throughout.
Finish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil and red pepper flakes if desired. Toss once more, adjust seasoning to taste, and serve immediately for the best creamy, cozy experience.

Notes

Use ripe, sweet cherry or grape tomatoes for optimal roasting results.
Do not overcook the pasta; keep it al dente to maintain texture.
Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency and harmony.
Add stracciatella off the heat to preserve its creamy texture rather than melting it completely.
Roasting whole garlic cloves mellows their flavor and adds natural sweetness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 25mg