If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and elegantly simple, this Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe Recipe is a true delight. Imagine sweet, caramelized roasted tomatoes bursting with flavor, tender little acini di pepe pearls soaking up garlicky olive oil, and creamy, luscious pockets of stracciatella cheese melting throughout every bite. It’s the kind of meal that feels special without any fuss, perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing a close friend with a little bowl of magic. Once you try it, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, yet what’s wonderful is how simple and approachable the list is. Each item contributes vibrant flavor, silky texture, or fresh aroma that elevates this dish beyond basic pasta fare.
- Ripe, juicy tomatoes: Choose tomatoes at peak ripeness for the sweetest, most flavorful roasting experience.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Used both for roasting and finishing, this adds rich, fruity depth and helps marry the ingredients.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning both the tomatoes and pasta to bring out the best flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle bite enhancing the earthiness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the cheese.
- Acini di pepe pasta: These tiny pasta beads are perfect for catching the sauce and creating a unique mouthfeel.
- Garlic: Just two cloves provide a fragrant foundation without overpowering the dish.
- Stracciatella cheese: The star dairy element, providing rich creaminess and a delicate texture that makes every bite feel indulgent.
- Fresh basil leaves: Torn and sprinkled on top, they add brightness and a fresh herbal finish.
- Lemon juice (optional): A splash for a light, vibrant contrast if you want a little zesty lift.
How to Make Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe Recipe
Step 1: Roasting the Tomatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve the ripe tomatoes, then toss them gently with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them cut side up on a baking sheet so they roast evenly and develop a beautiful caramelized surface. Roasting takes about 25-30 minutes until the tomatoes soften completely and their natural sugars create a deeply flavorful base for the pasta.
Step 2: Cooking the Acini di Pepe Pasta
While the tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the acini di pepe and cook according to package directions, usually 6 to 8 minutes, until perfectly al dente. Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining—that starchy water will come in handy to loosen the sauce later.
Step 3: Preparing the Garlic Oil
In a spacious skillet, warm a few tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it carefully for about one minute until fragrant, but be cautious not to let it burn. This gentle infusion creates a flavorful oil that carries the rest of the dish.
Step 4: Combining Roasted Tomatoes and Pasta
Add the roasted tomatoes along with all their roasted juices directly into the garlic oil. Then toss in the drained acini di pepe pasta. Stir everything together, and if the mixture feels a bit dry, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until you reach a lovely, silky consistency. Heat through so all the flavors unify.
Step 5: Finishing with Stracciatella and Basil
Remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in generous handfuls of stracciatella cheese. Watch as it melts into creamy, dreamy pockets throughout the pasta. Finish by tearing fresh basil leaves on top for a fragrant burst and adjust salt and pepper to taste. A quick splash of lemon juice here can brighten the dish wonderfully if you like a little acidity.
How to Serve Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes are best here to keep the spotlight on the rich textures and fresh flavors. Torn basil leaves not only add vibrant color but also a fresh herbal aroma that complements the roasted tomatoes. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving adds shine and a luscious finish.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads like arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a classic mixed greens salad to add a little fresh crunch. Lightly toasted rustic bread is perfect for scooping up any leftover creamy tomato sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the pasta in shallow bowls with a small mound of stracciatella at the center, surrounded by the warmly roasted tomatoes and sprinkled with basil. You can also layer components in clear glasses for an elegant visual showcasing the vibrant reds, creamy whites, and green hues—a feast for both eyes and palate!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe Recipe to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. The cheese and pasta may absorb more liquid and soften, but the flavors remain delightful if reheated gently.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as stracciatella cheese doesn’t freeze well and loses its creamy texture. It’s not recommended to freeze the entire prepared meal. However, you can freeze the roasted tomatoes separately without cheese for up to two months to save time on your next cooking adventure.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, warm gently in a skillet over low heat adding a splash of water or olive oil to restore creaminess and prevent the pasta from drying out. Avoid using a microwave if possible to keep the texture intact, and add fresh stracciatella after warming if you have some on hand for a fresh finish.
FAQs
What is acini di pepe pasta?
Acini di pepe are tiny, pearl-like pasta shapes that work wonderfully in light pasta dishes and soups because they absorb sauce well and provide a unique texture.
Can I use other types of cheese instead of stracciatella?
While stracciatella provides the best creamy texture, fresh mozzarella or burrata can be good substitutes. They won’t have quite the same richness but still melt beautifully into the dish.
How do I know when tomatoes are perfectly roasted?
Roasted tomatoes should look slightly caramelized on the edges, soft to the touch, juicy, and fragrant. They’ll have shrunk in size and released their natural sweetness.
Is lemon juice necessary in this recipe?
Lemon juice is optional, but it adds a lovely brightness that can balance the richness of the cheese and the sweetness of the tomatoes. Use sparingly to avoid overpowering the delicate flavors.
Can I make this dish vegan?
To make a vegan version, omit the stracciatella and consider adding creamy avocado or a cashew-based cream sauce for richness. Roasted tomatoes and garlic oil will still provide delicious flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s a cozy, elegant dish that feels both fresh and indulgent, perfect for weekday dinners or sharing with friends when you want to impress without stress. I cannot recommend making this recipe enough—once you do, it’s going to become a cherished classic in your kitchen too!
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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 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and comforting Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe recipe featuring caramelized roasted tomatoes combined with delicate acini di pepe pasta, finished with creamy stracciatella cheese and fresh basil. This dish is bursting with fresh flavors and creamy textures perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Tomatoes and Seasonings
- Ripe, juicy tomatoes – 4 medium-sized
- Extra virgin olive oil – 3 tablespoons (for roasting) + 2 tablespoons (for cooking)
- Salt – to taste + 1 tablespoon for pasta water
- Freshly ground black pepper – to taste
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon (optional)
Pasta and Cheese
- Acini di pepe pasta – 1 cup (dry)
- Stracciatella cheese – 4 to 6 ounces
- Fresh basil leaves – a small handful, torn
Instructions
- Roast the tomatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve the ripe tomatoes and toss them with olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Arrange them cut-side up on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until they become soft, caramelized, and infused with deep flavor.
- Cook the pasta: While the tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the acini di pepe pasta and cook for 6-8 minutes or according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water for later use.
- Prepare the garlic oil: Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.
- Combine roasted tomatoes and pasta: Add the roasted tomatoes with their juices to the skillet with garlic oil. Toss in the drained pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir well to combine and heat through.
- Finish with stracciatella and basil: Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in generous portions of stracciatella cheese, allowing it to melt into creamy pockets throughout the dish. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice as desired.
Notes
- Use the ripest tomatoes possible for maximum sweetness and roasting flavor.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps to create a silky sauce texture.
- Be gentle when folding in the stracciatella to keep its creamy texture intact.
- Lemon juice adds a bright finish but is optional.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately for fresh texture and flavor.
