Discover the exquisite flavors of Italian cuisine with our Acini di Pepe pasta recipe. This traditional dish features tiny, pearl-like pasta tossed in a savory sauce, creating a mouthwatering experience with every bite. Follow our step-by-step instructions to prepare this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup acini di pepe pasta
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, mince
- 1/2 onion, finely chop
- 1 carrot, dice
- 1 celery stalk, dice
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a big pot on medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add diced carrot and celery to the pot, and continue sautéing for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Bring chicken or vegetable broth to a boil in the pot.
- Add acini di pepe pasta to the boiling broth. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the pasta simmer in the broth for about 8-10 minutes, or until it cooks al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Two minutes before the pasta is done cooking, add frozen peas to the pot and stir to combine.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste once the pasta is cooked and the peas are heated through. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve the acini di pepe pasta soup hot, garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting acini di pepe pasta soup!
Here are some tips and tricks to enhance your acini di pepe pasta recipe:
- Use Homemade Broth: If possible, use homemade chicken or vegetable broth for richer flavor. You can make a large batch and freeze it in portions for future use.
- Sauté Aromatics Well: Sautéing the garlic and onions until they’re fragrant and translucent helps to develop their flavors. Be careful not to burn them, as it can make the dish bitter.
- Add Vegetables for Flavor: Carrots, celery, and peas add texture and flavor to the soup. You can also add other vegetables like diced tomatoes, spinach, or kale for variation.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Acini di pepe pasta cooks quickly, so be mindful not to overcook it. It should be cooked al dente, with a slight bite to it.
- Season Generously: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, but remember that broth and Parmesan cheese can also add saltiness, so adjust accordingly.
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Garnish for Presentation:
Garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley not only adds flavor but also enhances the presentation of the dish.
- Make it Creamy: If you prefer a creamy soup, you can add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking.This will make the dish richer and creamier.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage to the soup. Simply add them along with the vegetables or stir in at the end.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the soup. Italian seasoning, thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves can add depth to the dish.
- Serve with Bread: Serve the acini di pepe pasta soup with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side for a complete and satisfying meal.
With these tips and tricks, you can elevate your acini di pepe pasta soup to a new level of deliciousness!