Name: Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Ripe, juicy tomatoes (quantity depending on serving size); Extra virgin olive oil (for roasting and finishing) – a few tablespoons; Salt to taste; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; Acini di pepe pasta – about 1 cup (dry); Salt (for pasta water); Reserved pasta water (as needed); Stracciatella cheese – generous portions, about 4-6 ounces; Fresh basil leaves – torn, for garnish; Garlic – 2 cloves minced; Lemon juice (optional) – a splash

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If you’re craving a dish that dances on your palate with fresh, vibrant flavors, look no further than Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe. This recipe perfectly marries the juicy tang of slow-roasted tomatoes with the indulgent creaminess of stracciatella cheese, all brought together by the delicate, pearl-like pasta called acini di pepe. Each bite offers a delightful texture and bright, comforting notes that make this a standout for any season or occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and flavorful: The roasted tomatoes provide a natural sweetness and acidity that wake up your taste buds.
Creamy indulgence: Stracciatella cheese melts into the dish, offering a rich, velvety contrast to the tangy tomato.
Perfect texture: Acini di pepe pasta adds a unique, fun bite that holds sauce beautifully without overpowering the flavors.
Simple yet sophisticated: With minimal ingredients, this dish comes together quickly and impresses instantly.
Versatile serving: It works wonderfully as a light main course, side dish, or even a chilled salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe recipe is carefully chosen to complement one another, creating a balance of flavor, texture, and color that’s simply irresistible. These basics form the foundation for an elegant yet approachable meal.

Roasted tomatoes: Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for deep caramelized flavor and natural sweetness.
Stracciatella cheese: Adds a creamy, luscious texture that melts wonderfully with the warm pasta.
Acini di pepe pasta: Small, bead-like pasta that perfectly carries sauce without overwhelming your palate.
Fresh basil: Offers a fragrant herbal note that brightens the overall dish.
Extra virgin olive oil: Enhances the richness and ties all ingredients together smoothly.
Garlic: Provides a subtle, savory warmth that boosts the roasted tomato’s depth.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate every flavor component.
Lemon juice (optional): A splash adds a fresh, zesty contrast that can brighten the dish further.

Variations for Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable and easy to tweak according to dietary preferences, ingredient availability, or your mood in the kitchen. Feel free to get creative with these variation ideas!

Vegetarian twist: Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for an extra veggie punch without sacrificing richness.
Spicy kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to bring warmth and heat to the dish.
Gluten-free version: Swap acini di pepe for a gluten-free or alternative grain pasta to make it friendly for everyone.
Herb swap: Try fresh thyme or oregano instead of basil for a different herbal aroma.
Protein addition: Add grilled chicken or shrimp on top to turn this into a heartier meal.

How to Make Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe

Step 1: Roast the tomatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve the tomatoes, toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Roast for about 25-30 minutes until they become soft, caramelized, and bursting with flavor.

Step 2: Cook the acini di pepe pasta

While the tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the acini di pepe and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 6-8 minutes, until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water for later.

Step 3: Prepare the garlic oil

In a large skillet, warm a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Combine roasted tomatoes and pasta

Add the roasted tomatoes (including any juices) to the garlic oil. Toss in the drained acini di pepe, adding a little reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir to combine and heat through.

Step 5: Finish with stracciatella and basil

Remove the skillet from heat and fold in generous portions of stracciatella cheese, allowing it to melt into luscious pockets of creamy goodness. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and adjust seasoning to taste.

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe

Choose ripe tomatoes: The fresher and juicier the tomatoes, the better the roasted flavor will be.
Don’t overcook pasta: Al dente texture is key to balancing the softness of the tomatoes and cheese.
Reserve pasta water: Helps create a silky sauce when combined with olive oil and cheese.
Use high-quality stracciatella: The creaminess of good cheese makes a huge difference in final taste.
Add herbs last: To preserve their bright flavor and vibrant color.

How to Serve Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe

Garnishes

Toppings like fresh basil, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or even a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts can add beautiful aroma and texture contrast to the dish.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, crusty artisan bread, or grilled vegetables to round out the meal with freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve it chilled as a pasta salad for summer gatherings, or plate it warm with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to impress dinner guests. Try layering it in a beautiful clear bowl to showcase all those vibrant colors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, carefully stirring before reheating to bring everything back together.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh due to the delicate cheese and texture of the pasta, so freezing is not recommended.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce without drying or breaking the cheese apart.

FAQs

Can I substitute stracciatella cheese with something else?

Yes! Fresh mozzarella or burrata are excellent alternatives that provide similar creaminess and mild flavor.

Is acini di pepe gluten-free?

Traditional acini di pepe is made from wheat and contains gluten. For gluten-free options, you can find specialty versions or substitute with small gluten-free pasta pearls.

How do I roast tomatoes perfectly?

Roast them at a high temperature (around 400°F) until they start to caramelize and release juices, usually about 25-30 minutes, which intensifies their natural sweetness.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the stracciatella cheese with a plant-based creamy cheese or cashew cream, and use olive oil generously to maintain richness.

What’s the best way to store leftover cooked pasta?

Store it in an airtight container with a little olive oil to prevent sticking and refrigerate for up to three days for maximum freshness.

Final Thoughts

Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe is truly a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or entertaining friends, this dish promises fresh, luscious flavors and irresistible textures you’ll want to revisit again and again. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite pasta recipe!

Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe