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14 Easy Acini De Pepe Recipes

If you’re looking for some easy and delicious acini de pepe recipes, then you’ve come to the right place.

Acini de pepe is a type of pasta that is small and round, making it perfect for soups, salads, casseroles, and more.

It’s also a great pasta to use when feeding a large crowd because it doesn’t take long to cook and can be easily doubled or tripled.

So if you’re looking for some new and exciting acini de pepe recipes to try, then check out this list!

Acini De Pepe Recipes

14 Acini De Pepe Recipes

When you’re craving something starchy and comforting, look no further than acini de pepe.

This Italian pasta is perfect for soups and salads, and can even be used in sweet recipes.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when cooking with acini de pepe:

  • Acini de pepe are very small, so they cook quickly. Be sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook.
  • Because they’re small, they can be easily overcooked and turn to mush. If this happens, just add them to a strainer and rinse with cold water. This will stop the cooking process and give you perfectly cooked acini de pepe.
  • Acini de pepe are also great for absorbing flavors, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, and sauces.

With that said, here are 14 of the best acini de pepe recipes:

Acini De Pepe Loaded Tomato Soup

Tomato soup is rarely something I get excited about.

See Also: Best Tomatoes for Tomato Soup

But this loaded tomato soup is different.

It’s made with acini de pepe, which are tiny pasta balls.

They soak up all the delicious tomato flavor and make this soup extra hearty.

And it’s loaded with toppings like shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and crumbled bacon.

You can customize the toppings to your liking, but I think these really take the soup to the next level.

If you’re not a fan of tomato soup, you could try this recipe with a different type of broth or even water.

And if you want a creamier soup, you could add some milk or cream when you’re reheating it.

As for the toppings, feel free to mix things up and use whatever you have on hand.

Croutons would be a great option if you don’t have any bacon, and chopped green onions would be delicious in place of the diced tomatoes.

Instant Pot Italian Wedding Soup

Made with turkey meatballs, acini de pepe pasta, and spinach, this Instant Pot Italian Wedding Soup is a delicious and healthy weeknight meal.

I love that it can be made in the pressure cooker, which cuts down on cook time significantly.

To change up the flavor, you could:

  • Add some red pepper flakes for a little heat.
  • Swap out the spinach for kale or Swiss chard.
  • Use ground beef or pork instead of turkey.
  • Add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the finished soup.

To change up the texture, you could:

  • Make your own meatballs from scratch, or use frozen meatballs to save time.
  • Use a different type of pasta, like ditalini or shells.
  • Add some chopped cooked chicken or shredded cooked chicken to make it a heartier meal.

Beef, Tomato and Acini de Pepe Soup

Nobody is going to go home hungry after a bowl of this hearty soup.

This beef, tomato and acini de pepe soup is filling, flavorful and so easy to make.

And it’s even better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it’s so versatile.

You can easily change up the flavor by using different herbs or spices, and you can change the texture by adding more or less liquid.

Here are a few ways you could change up this recipe:

  • Add a tablespoon of Italian seasoning for a more robust flavor.
  • Swap out the beef broth for chicken broth or vegetable broth.
  • Add an extra can of diced tomatoes if you like your soup on the chunky side.
  • Thicken the soup with a cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker consistency.

Frog Eye Salad (Acini de Pepe Salad)

Made from eggs, pineapple, cool whip, and marshmallows, this dessert salad is a family favorite.

Frog eye salad is one of those recipes that you either love or hate.

There are a few ways to change the flavor of this dish:

  • Try using different fruit juices in place of the pineapple juice, like orange juice or apple juice.
  • Add in a can of drained mandarin oranges or crushed pineapple for extra sweetness and texture.
  • For a tangier flavor, use lemon juice instead of pineapple juice.
  • Mix in some mini marshmallows or chopped nuts for extra sweetness and crunch.

And here are a few ways to change the texture:

  • Soak the acini de pepe in the fruit juice for an hour before adding the rest of the ingredients for a softer salad.
  • Use whipped topping instead of cool whip for a lighter dish.
  • Add in a can of fruit cocktail or drained maraschino cherries for extra sweetness and texture.

20 Minute Acini de Pepe with Broccoli & Shrimp

When time is of the essence, this 20 minute Acini de Pepe with Broccoli & Shrimp is the perfect meal to whip up.

Tender shrimp, fresh broccoli, and a zesty lemon sauce come together in this light and healthy dish.

The best part?

You can easily customize it to your liking.

  • Try adding some diced chicken or turkey if you’re looking for more protein.
  • For a little extra flavor, stir in a teaspoon of garlic powder or red pepper flakes.
  • And if you’re not a fan of shrimp, feel free to swap it out for another type of seafood or leave it out altogether.

Shrimp Acini De Pepe

If you have a large skillet or wok, you can make this dish in one pan.

The shrimp cook quickly, so they don’t have time to dry out or get tough.

Make sure to use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.

I like to use frozen shrimp that has been thawed for this recipe because it’s more affordable, but if you have fresh shrimp, definitely use that.

To change the flavor of this dish, you could:

  • Add a teaspoon of sriracha or diced jalapeño for some spice.
  • Stir in a tablespoon of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for an umami boost.
  • Swap out the rice vinegar for apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
  • Add a handful of chopped cilantro for freshness.

To change the texture of this dish, you could:

  • Use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a gluten-free or low-carb option.
  • Add a handful of frozen peas or corn during the last few minutes of cooking.

Acini di Pepe with Peas and Parmesan

Parmesan makes any recipe better in my opinion, but it especially elevates this classic pasta dish.

The small pasta shapes are the perfect size for little peas, and the cheese adds a delicious creaminess that takes it over the top.

If you want to change up the flavor, you could:

  • Swap out the Parmesan for another cheese like Pecorino Romano or Gruyere.
  • Add some spice with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of diced jalapeño.
  • Use frozen peas instead of fresh for a more budget-friendly option.

If you want to change up the texture, you could:

  • Add some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
  • Stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn for extra color and sweetness.
  • Top with a fried egg for an extra-special touch.

Acini De Pepe Fruit Salad

Think about your favorite fruits, and then imagine them all together in one salad.

That’s what you get with this acini de pepe fruit salad.

It’s a fun, colorful, and flavor-packed salad that’s perfect for summertime picnics and potlucks.

And the best part?

It’s so easy to make!

To change up the flavors, you could:

  • Add a handful of chopped fresh mint or basil.
  • Swap out the lemon juice for lime juice.
  • Use a different type of vinegar, like apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar.
  • Add a spoonful of honey or agave nectar.
  • Mix in a tablespoon of chia seeds for extra nutrition.

Mediterranean Acini De Pepe Pasta Salad With Olives & Artichokes

This pasta salad reminds me of the type of salads my grandmother used to make – it’s packed with flavor, but still light and refreshing.

The combination of salty olives, tangy artichokes, and bright lemon dressing is irresistible.

And since it’s made with small acini de pepe pasta, it’s the perfect size for a side dish or light lunch.

To change up the flavors:

  • Swap out the olives for another type of olive, or use sun-dried tomatoes instead.
  • Add some spice with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Use a different type of pasta – I think this would be great with shells or ditalini.
  • Try a different cheese in place of the feta – goat cheese would be delicious.

Acini di Pepe Savory Pasta Salad

Whether you serve this salad as a side dish or a main course, it’s sure to be a hit!

The acini de pepe pasta is the perfect size for scooping up all of the delicious flavors in this salad.

And, if you’re looking for ways to change up the flavor or texture, here are a few ideas:

  • Try using a different type of pasta, like shells or rotini (see also these rotini pasta recipes if you want to cook with this pasta).
  • Add in some chopped cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
  • Stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn for extra color and sweetness.
  • Use a different type of cheese, like feta or goat cheese.
  • Add in some diced red onion or green bell pepper for extra crunch.

Chicken Soup with Acini de Pepe

Chicken soup needs no introduction – it’s a classic for a reason.

But this chicken soup with acini de pepe is a little different than your average soup.

The small pasta balls add a fun texture, and the soup is packed with flavor from the herbs and spices.

To change up the flavor, you could:

  • Add some heat with red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño.
  • Swap out the chicken for another protein, like shrimp or tofu.
  • Use spinach or kale in place of the arugula.
  • Try a different type of pasta in place of the acini de pepe.

Swiss Chard, Salmon, Turmeric, And Fresh Lovage Warm Salad With Acini De Pepe Pasta

A delicious colourful and so vibrant lunch or dinner salad, that is healthy, yet filling and satisfying.

This salad has everything you need; greens, pasta, protein and a beautiful dressing to top it all off.

I love this recipe because it is packed with flavour, yet so simple to make.

The combination of fresh salmon, Swiss chard and turmeric is amazing and the dressing ties it all together perfectly.

To change the flavor of this dish up a bit, you could:

  • Add some spice with a teaspoon of sriracha or a diced jalapeño.
  • Make it cheesy with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top.
  • Mix in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
  • Stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn for extra color and sweetness.
  • Top with a fried egg for an extra-special touch.

Creamy Acini Di Pepe Recipe With Zucchini & Parmesan

Anything creamy is just automatically better in my book.

This dish is no different – it’s a delightful, creamy pasta salad that’s perfect for a summer potluck or picnic.

The zucchini and Parmesan add great flavor and texture to the dish, but you could easily swap in other veggies like broccoli or asparagus.

You could also try different types of pasta – I think rotini or shells would work well in this recipe.

Chicken Soup with Spinach and Whole Wheat Acini di Pepe

When the weather gets too cold for comfort, there’s nothing like a big bowl of chicken soup to warm you up from the inside out.

But this isn’t your average chicken soup recipe.

I’ve added some healthy spinach and whole wheat acini de pepe to give it some extra texture and flavor.

You could also:

  • Add some diced carrots or celery for extra crunch.
  • Swap out the chicken for turkey or tofu to change things up.
  • Use egg noodles, rice, or quinoa instead of the pasta for a different texture.
  • Add a can of diced tomatoes or a tablespoon of tomato paste for extra flavor.
Acini De Pepe Recipes

14 Easy Acini De Pepe Recipes

I love pasta as much as the next person, but there are days when I just don't feel like eating a big plate of it.
That's when I turn to acini de pepe. This type of pasta is really small and versatile, so it can be used in a lot of different dishes.
Plus, it's really easy to make!
In this post, I'm sharing 14 of my favorite acini de pepe recipes.
From soups and salads to main dishes and even dessert, there's something here for everyone.
So if you're looking for a new way to enjoy pasta, give one of these recipes a try.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 425 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Acini De Pepe Loaded Tomato Soup
  • Instant Pot Italian Wedding Soup
  • Instant Pot Italian Wedding Soup
  • Frog Eye Salad (Acini de Pepe Salad)
  • 20 Minute Acini de Pepe with Broccoli & Shrimp
  • Shrimp Acini De Pepe
  • Acini di Pepe with Peas and Parmesan
  • Acini De Pepe Fruit Salad
  • Mediterranean Acini De Pepe Pasta Salad With Olives & Artichokes
  • Acini di Pepe Savory Pasta Salad
  • Chicken Soup with Acini de Pepe
  • Swiss Chard, Salmon, Turmeric, And Fresh Lovage Warm Salad With Acini De Pepe Pasta
  • Creamy Acini Di Pepe Recipe With Zucchini & Parmesan
  • Chicken Soup with Spinach and Whole Wheat Acini di Pepe

Instructions
 

  • Pick any of these recipes to serve for dinner tonight.
  • Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
  • Enjoy in no time!
Keyword Acini De Pepe Recipes
CEO at Happy Muncher | benjamin@happymuncher.com | Website | + posts

Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.