This Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe Recipe is a delightful celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create an irresistibly creamy and comforting pasta dish. Imagine sweet, caramelized roasted tomatoes mingling with tiny, delicate acini di pepe pasta, all coated in luscious stracciatella cheese that melts into rich, dreamy pockets of flavor. Each bite bursts with freshness from basil and a gentle hint of garlic, making it an ideal recipe for a cozy dinner that’s elegant yet effortless. If you love dishes that feel homemade but taste gourmet, this Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe Recipe will quickly secure a spot in your weeknight rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s the juicy tomatoes roasting to sweetness, the tiny acini di pepe offering the perfect pasta texture, or the creamy stracciatella bringing beautiful richness. Together, they make a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
- Ripe, juicy tomatoes: Choose tomatoes that are fresh and bursting with flavor for the best caramelization when roasted.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use a high-quality oil for roasting and finishing to add fruity depth and silkiness.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning both the tomatoes and pasta water, enhancing all the flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity to the dish.
- Acini di pepe pasta: Tiny pearl-sized pasta that traps sauce beautifully, giving a unique texture.
- Reserved pasta water: Helps loosen the sauce and marry the ingredients perfectly.
- Stracciatella cheese: Creamy and tender, it melts into the pasta creating luscious, delicate pockets of cheese.
- Fresh basil leaves: Torn and sprinkled on top for a burst of herbal freshness and color.
- Garlic: Minced for a fragrant base that enhances the savory flavor profile.
- Lemon juice (optional): A splash adds brightness that balances the richness beautifully.
How to Make Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes to Perfection
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve your ripe tomatoes and give them a generous toss with olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Arrange them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Roast for about 25-30 minutes until they soften, caramelize, and the natural sugars intensify, releasing an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen with promise.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta Al Dente
While the tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the acini di pepe pasta and cook it just until it becomes al dente – nearly tender but with a slight bite. This usually takes 6-8 minutes, but check your package instructions to be sure. Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining, as it’s a secret weapon for perfect sauce consistency.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic for a Flavorful Base
Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, making sure not to let it burn. This simple step builds a savory foundation that complements the sweetness of the roasted tomatoes beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Roasted Tomatoes and Pasta
Add the tender roasted tomatoes with all their flavorful juices to the skillet. Then, toss in the drained acini di pepe. If things seem a little dry or thick, splash in some of the reserved pasta water to loosen everything and help the ingredients come together in a glossy, saucy harmony. Stir gently to combine and warm through, letting the flavors mingle for a minute or two.
Step 5: Fold in Stracciatella and Garnish
Take the skillet off the heat and fold in generous spoonfuls of stracciatella cheese. Watch it melt slowly, creating creamy pockets that enrich each bite. Finish by scattering torn fresh basil leaves on top and seasoning with more salt, pepper, and a touch of lemon juice if you like a bright contrast. Your Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe Recipe is now ready to treasure!
How to Serve Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves is classic, but you can also add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to boost the richness just before serving. Some freshly cracked black pepper on top adds a subtle punch, and if you want a little extra flair, a handful of toasted pine nuts or a few red pepper flakes can provide delightful texture and heat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crunchy green salads dressed in vinaigrette or simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. For a heartier meal, crispy garlic bread or focaccia make great companions, soaking up every creamy drop and balancing the soft texture of the pasta perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in warm, shallow bowls to showcase its vibrant reds and whites, or portion it into beautiful glass jars for a picnic-ready lunch. You can also add a few halved cherry tomatoes or extra torn basil on top for color contrast. Presentation is all about celebrating the fresh, rustic feel of this comforting dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, but the cheese may thicken the pasta slightly, so be prepared to loosen it when reheating.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh. The creamy texture of stracciatella cheese doesn’t freeze well and may separate upon thawing. For the best experience, freeze the roasted tomatoes and cooked pasta separately without the cheese if you must, but keep in mind the ideal is to enjoy it fresh.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low to medium heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or olive oil to revive the creamy texture. Avoid using a microwave as it can cause the cheese to separate. Stir slowly and warm until just heated through for the best results.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While acini di pepe is perfect for capturing the sauce with its tiny shape, you can substitute small pastas like orzo or ditalini if needed. Just be mindful of cooking times and texture to preserve the balance in this Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe Recipe.
What if I can’t find stracciatella cheese?
If stracciatella isn’t available, burrata or fresh mozzarella pieces can work as alternatives, though they might offer a slightly different texture. The key is to have a soft, creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds that decadent richness to the dish.
How do I know when the tomatoes are perfectly roasted?
You want the tomatoes to be soft and slightly caramelized, with edges that begin to brown and a juicy, fragrant aroma filling your kitchen. This usually takes about 25-30 minutes at 400°F. The deeper their color and the sweeter their smell, the more flavor they’ll impart.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta can be folded in to make this pasta more substantial. Just add them at the final stages so they don’t overpower the delicate flavors of the roasted tomato and cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
This particular recipe includes stracciatella cheese, so it’s not vegan as is. However, you can try vegan cheese alternatives or omit the cheese and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost. Roasted tomatoes and acini di pepe form a great base for a plant-based version.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe Recipe is a testament to how a handful of simple, fresh ingredients can transform into something extraordinary. It’s warm, creamy, and bursting with flavor, perfect for those evenings when you want comfort without complication. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every spoonful as much as I do!
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Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe is a vibrant and comforting Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring tender acini di pepe pasta tossed with caramelized roasted tomatoes, fragrant garlic-infused olive oil, and creamy stracciatella cheese. Garnished with fresh basil and a splash of lemon juice, it’s a perfect balance of fresh, rich, and savory flavors ideal for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Fresh Ingredients
- Ripe, juicy tomatoes – quantity depending on serving size (approximately 3-4 medium tomatoes)
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh basil leaves – torn, for garnish
- Lemon juice (optional) – a splash
Pantry and Dairy
- Extra virgin olive oil – a few tablespoons for roasting and finishing (about 4-5 tbsp total)
- Salt – to taste and for pasta water
- Freshly ground black pepper – to taste
- Acini di pepe pasta – about 1 cup dry
- Stracciatella cheese – 4 to 6 ounces, generous portions
Instructions
- Roast Tomatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve the ripe tomatoes and gently toss them with olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Arrange the tomatoes cut-side up on a baking sheet, then roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until they become soft, caramelized, and bursting with flavor.
- Cook Pasta: While the tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the acini di pepe pasta and cook according to package instructions, generally for 6-8 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, warm a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.
- Toss Pasta with Tomatoes: Add the roasted tomatoes along with their juices to the skillet with garlic oil. Stir in the drained acini di pepe pasta, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to loosen the sauce. Toss thoroughly to combine and warm through.
- Add Stracciatella and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Fold in the stracciatella cheese, allowing it to melt into rich, creamy pockets throughout the pasta. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves, and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and an optional splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor impact; plum or vine-ripened varieties work well.
- Reserved pasta water helps create a silky sauce consistency when tossed with the pasta.
- Stracciatella cheese is delicate; fold it in gently off the heat to preserve its creamy texture.
- You can substitute with burrata cheese if stracciatella is unavailable.
- Adding a splash of lemon juice at the end balances the richness and enhances freshness.
