26 Best Fregola Recipes

If you have some fregola in your pantry and are looking for some delicious ways to use it, then you are in the right place.

Fregola is a type of pasta that is similar to couscous, but it is slightly larger in size.

It is made from durum wheat flour and water, and it is typically used in soups or salads.

However, there are so many other great ways to use it!

In this roundup, I’m sharing 26 of the best fregola recipes including main dishes, side dishes, soups, salads, and more.

So whether you are looking for an easy weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish for a dinner party, you are sure to find something on this list that you’ll love.

26 Best Fregola Recipes

Although it’s tempting to just throw all the ingredients into a pot and call it a day, there are a few things you should keep in mind when cooking fregola.

• First, make sure to properly soak your fregola. This will help to soften the pasta and prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Next, be careful not to overcook the fregola. It should only be cooked until al dente (just tender).
• Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your recipes! Fregola pairs well with just about anything, so feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations.

Need some inspiration?

Try one of these 26 best fregola recipes:

Fregola with Corn, Zucchini & Basil

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/84161086777543564/

Zucchini and basil, sprinkled with pecorino cheese – Fregola with Corn, Zucchini & Basil is a light and healthy dish perfect for summer.

This recipe is so versatile – you can easily swap out the vegetables for whatever is in season.

I love to add a little bit of spice to my fregola, so I usually add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

For extra protein, you could mix in some cooked chicken (see also these fregola recipes with chicken) or shrimp.

Or, for a vegetarian option, try adding some white beans or chickpeas.

Spicy Calamari With Fregola Recipe

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/189291990581073075/

If you like some spice in your life, then this recipe is for you!

I love how the fregola soaks up all the flavors of the dish and gets nice and crispy in the pan.

The calamari is cooked perfectly – not too chewy, with just the right amount of spice.

To make this dish even better, you could:

• Add some heat with a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
• Make it extra flavorful with a sprinkle of smoked paprika 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.

Fregola with Pancetta, Peas and Parmesan

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/387872586667896288/

Nutty, toasted fregola cooked risotto style with crispy, salty pancetta, sweet peas, and lots of grated Parmesan.

This dish is so rich and flavorful, you’ll want to make it again and again.

I love to serve this fregola with a simple green salad on the side.

Don’t forget to check out these fregola salad recipes.

To make this dish even better, you could:

• Add some spice with a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
• Swap out the pancetta for bacon or sausage for a heartier meal.
• Use frozen peas instead of fresh for a quicker cook time.
• Add a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil for extra flavor.

Fregola Sarda with Tomato, Pecorino, and Basil

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/45176802500003382/

The tomatoes and Pecorino cheese adds some sharpness and saltiness to the dish, while the basil gives it a nice herbal flavor.

If you’re looking for something different from your usual pasta recipes, I highly recommend giving this one a try!

Here are some other ingredients you could add to this recipe:

• Sausage: This would give the dish some extra protein and flavor.
• Peppers: Mixing in some bell peppers or roasted red peppers would add some sweetness and acidity to the dish.
• Olives: Adding some olives would give the dish an extra salty, briny flavor.

Herbed Fregola

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/212724782396435564/

Sometimes the simple recipes are the best, and this herbed fregola is a perfect example.

To make this dish even better, you could:

• Add some spice with a teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
• 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.

Stewed Clams with Fregola

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/379287599878946290/

If you like clams, you will love this recipe! It is so simple yet so full of flavor.

The Fregola gives the dish a nice, hearty texture while the clams provide a lovely briny flavor.

I would recommend serving this dish with some crusty bread on the side for mopping up all the delicious broth.

You could also add:

• A few slices of bacon for extra smokiness.
• A splash of white wine for acidity.
• A handful of chopped parsley for brightness.

Fregola w/ Roasted Tomatoes, Cucumber, Feta & Olives

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/349732727323396388/

This dish reminds me of my trips to Greece – the flavors are just so spot on.

The fregola is cooked in a light tomato broth and then topped with roasted tomatoes, cucumber, feta, and olives.

It’s the perfect summer dish – light, refreshing, and so flavorful.

Serve it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread for dipping.

To add even more flavor to this dish, you could:

• Add a spoonful of harissa to the tomato broth.
• Substitute the feta for goat cheese or ricotta salata.
• Top with a sprinkle of za’atar or chopped fresh herbs.

Fregola Sarda with Shrimp & Light Tomato Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/514325219956089999/

Nothing too crazy is going on here, but the Fregola Sarda soaks up the light tomato sauce beautifully and the shrimp adds a nice protein punch.

I love to keep things simple when it comes to side dishes, so I would recommend just a green salad and some crusty bread.

As for ways to add flavor, I would suggest:

• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for a little heat.
• Substitute chicken broth for the water in the recipe to give the dish more depth of flavor.
• Add a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil to the finished dish for a bright pop of color and flavor.

Fregotto (Fregola Risotto)

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/435652963966094517/

If you like risotto, then I bet you’ll love this Fregotto recipe!

Fregolo is the perfect ingredient for risotto because it absorbs all of the delicious flavors of the dish.

There are a few things you’ll need to make this dish: Fregola, chicken broth, white wine, Parmesan cheese, and butter.

For the best flavor, I recommend using homemade chicken broth.

If you don’t have any white wine on hand, you can use dry vermouth or even just water.

As for the Parmesan cheese, make sure you use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor.

I like to add a little bit of butter at the end for extra richness, but it’s completely optional.

Shrimp & Spinach Fregola Sarda – Pesto and Potatoes

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/229683649738314695/

I love mixing things up in the kitchen, and this shrimp and spinach fregola sarda with pesto and potatoes is a great way to do just that.

I like to serve this dish with a simple side of roasted potatoes, but you could also mix in some other veggies like zucchini or tomatoes.

To add even more flavor, I like to top mine with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Sardinian Clam Stew With Fregola

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/513832638745788008/

I love seafood, and this Sardinian Clam Stew With Fregola is no exception!

I usually serve it with some crusty bread on the side to soak up all of the delicious broth.

If you’re feeling extra fancy, you could also add a side salad or some roasted vegetables.

If you want to add a little extra flavor to this dish, I would recommend trying out some different herbs and spices.

Rosemary, thyme, and red pepper flakes would all be great additions.

You could also add a splash of white wine or some freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Fregola with Shrimp and Tomatoes

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/398779742010155946/

Shrimp and tomatoes go great together, but if you want to try something a little different, you could serve this dish with some couscous or quinoa.

If you’re looking for a more traditional side, some rice would also go well.

If you want to add a little extra flavor to this dish, you could try adding some garlic or onion to the mix.

You could also add some herbs, like basil or oregano, to give it a little more depth of flavor.

Sardinian Herb Soup with Fregola and White Beans

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/217369119507740389/

Herby, slightly spicy Sardinian soup is wonderful on its own, but if you’re looking for something to round out the meal, try serving it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread.

If you want to add a bit more flavor to this soup, try stirring in some shredded Parmesan cheese or crumbled goat cheese before serving.

Autumn Fregola Salad

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/5770305765707174/

Just because summer is coming to an end, doesn’t mean your salads have to be boring.

This Autumn Fregola Salad is the perfect way to transition from summer to fall.

Fregola has a hearty, chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted sweet potatoes, and dried cranberries in this salad.

Add a little bit of shaved Parmesan cheese on top, and you’ve got a salad that is hearty enough to be a meal on its own.

If you want to add a little extra flavor to this salad, try roasting the Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes in a bit of olive oil and garlic before adding them to the salad.

You could also add a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans for some extra crunch.

Fregola Sarda With Mushrooms

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/232639137030478517/

Mushrooms are super versatile and can be enjoyed as a main dish, side dish, or even as a healthy snack.

Here are a few sides that would go great with this Fregola Sarda with Mushrooms recipe:

• A simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Crusty bread

If you want to add a little extra flavor to this dish, try adding some of the following ingredients:

• Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
• A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Lemon juice

Fregola Sarda with Caramelized Squash and Charmoula

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/435864070202325020/

Ah, Fregola Sarda with Caramelized Squash and Charmoula.

This dish is a powerhouse of flavor, and it’s really simple to make.

The Fregola Sarda soaks up all of the flavors of the Charmoula, and the Squash provides a lovely sweetness and creaminess to the dish.

I would recommend serving this with some crusty bread, and maybe a simple salad.

If you want to add extra flavor to this dish, you could try roasting the Squash before you add it to the dish.

This will give it a lovely smoky flavor that will complement the other ingredients perfectly.

Another option would be to add some fresh herbs to the Charmoula.

I think that Rosemary would be a great addition, but you could also experiment with other herbs like Thyme or Basil.

Easy Spinach Pomegranate Salad with Fregola Sarda

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/220676450481016586/

Sometimes this easy spinach pomegranate salad with Fregola Sarda just isn’t enough.

If you’re looking to add a little something extra to this dish, consider serving it with some crusty bread or a light side salad.

If you’re looking for a little more flavor in your salad, consider adding some crumbled feta cheese or a light vinaigrette.

You could also add some chopped nuts or dried fruit for a little extra texture and flavor.

Prawn and ‘Nduja Fregola Recipe

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/129971139237686279/

Create this delicious prawn pasta infused with the spiciness of the Ndjua, a cured spreadable salami, for your next date night or family dinner.

For a complete meal, serve this dish with a simple green salad and a glass of white wine.

If you want an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the dish.

You can also top it with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Grilled Halloumi, Fregola, and Corn Salad

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/561894491019599533/

This salad goes great with some grilled bread on the side.

Try a nice, crusty baguette or some sourdough.

If you want something lighter, a slice of whole wheat bread would be a good option too.

If you want to add some extra flavor to this dish, try grilling the halloumi cheese.

It will give it a nice smoky flavor that goes well with the corn and fregola.

Fregola With Clams And Mussels

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/23784704273455633/

As you can see, fregola and clams go really well together.

I would also recommend serving this dish with a side of roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

If you want to add a bit more flavor to this dish, you could try adding some herbs to the fregola before you cook it.

Some good options would be rosemary, thyme, or oregano.

You could also add a bit of garlic to the dish, either by adding it to the fregola before you cook it, or by cooking it with the clams and mussels.

See Also: What Salad Goes With Mussels? 13 Best Salads

Baked Tilapia & Creamy Kale with Fregola Sarda Pasta

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/480970435213337625/

Ah, tilapia, the ever-so-versatile white fish. It’s light, it’s flaky, and it takes on flavor like a champ.

See Also: What Sauce Goes With Tilapia?

I’ve paired it with creamy kale and Fregola Sarda pasta, but it would also be delicious with rice, quinoa, or even roasted potatoes.

If you want to give this dish an extra flavor boost, try adding some fresh herbs to the kale or topping the fish with a squeeze of lemon before serving.

You could also swap out the Fregola Sarda pasta for a different type of pasta or grain.

Salmon with Lemon-Oregano Sauce and Artichoke Fregola Pilaf

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/495396027769593520/

I had to include a salmon dish on my list of recipes to try because it is one of my favorite fish to eat.

I love the lemon-oregano sauce that is used in this recipe because it is so light and refreshing.

The artichoke fregola pilaf is the perfect side dish to accompany the salmon.

It is a light and fluffy pilaf that is full of flavor.

The combination of the lemon-oregano sauce and the artichoke fregola pilaf is a match made in heaven.

If you want to add extra flavor to this dish, you could try adding some fresh herbs to the lemon-oregano sauce.

I think that rosemary or thyme would be a great addition to this dish.

You could also try adding some grilled vegetables to the pilaf.

I think that grilled zucchini or eggplant would be a great addition.

Fregola Salad with Zucchini and Basil

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/229683649738314853/

It doesn’t get easier than this Fregola Salad with Zucchini and Basil.

This dish is light, refreshing, and perfect for a summer day.

Serve it as a side salad or main course.

If you want to add a little extra flavor to this dish, try roasting the zucchini and garlic before adding them to the salad.

Fregola Sarda With Sausage and Mushrooms

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/587719820133769286/

Sausage and mushrooms. What more could you want? Well, maybe some greens.

But other than that, this dish is pretty perfect as is.

If you want to really kick up the flavor, try adding some red pepper flakes to the dish.

They’ll add a nice little bit of heat that will really complement the other flavors.

Turkey Meatballs & Fregola Sarda with Kale & Sicilian Tomato Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/180988478767226640/

Meatballs don’t get the love they deserve. Sure, they might be a little bit humble, but they’re also delicious, versatile, and easy to make.

Plus, they’re a great way to get your protein fix without having to eat a lot of red meat.

But the best part about meatballs is that they’re perfect for sharing.

So, if you’re looking for a dish to serve at your next party or potluck, these turkey meatballs with fregola sarda and kale are a great option.

If you want to add some extra flavor to your meatballs, try adding some chopped herbs to the mix.

Rosemary, thyme, and sage would all be great choices.

You could also add some grated Parmesan cheese to the mix.

And if you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even try adding some chopped anchovies to the mix.

Sardinian Fregola with Chickpeas

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/123215739801289615/

The last recipe that includes fregola that I want to share with you is this Sardinian Fregola with Chickpeas.

While this dish is fantastic on its own, there are a few sides that I think would pair well with it.

A simple green salad tossed with a light dressing would be a great way to start the meal.

For something a little heartier, you could serve this fregola with a side of roasted vegetables.

And of course, no meal is complete without bread! Some crusty bread would be perfect for dipping into the chickpea and fregola stew.