Acini di pepe pasta with garlic and olives

Delight in the flavors of Italy with this Acini di pepe pasta recipe featuring a rich blend of garlic, olives, and a hint of red pepper. Easy to make and irresistibly tasty, it’s a perfect quick dinner option!

  • 02 May 2024
  • Cook time 20 min
  • Prep time 10 min
  • 6 Servings
  • 6 Ingredients

Acini di pepe pasta with garlic and olives

Acini di pepe pasta with garlic and olives is a delightful and simple Italian-inspired dish. This recipe combines the tiny, bead-like pasta with the robust flavors of garlic and olives for a savory and satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is both easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp butter
27g
1/2 cup olives
70g
8 oz pasta
230g
1/4 tsp red pepper (spice)
0.08g
1 tbsp olive oil
14g
4 garlic cloves
12g

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Acini di Pepe pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
2. Prepare the Garlic and Olives:
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the olives by pitting and slicing them if not already done.
- Mince the garlic cloves finely.
3. Sauté the Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
4. Add the Olives:
- Add the sliced olives to the skillet. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Incorporate the Butter:
- Add the butter to the skillet, stirring until it melts and combines with the garlic, olives, and olive oil mixture.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained Acini di Pepe pasta to the skillet.
- Toss the pasta with the garlic and olive mixture until everything is well combined. If the pasta seems too dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
7. Final Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. You may add a pinch of salt or more red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier dish.
8. Serve:
- Serve the Acini di Pepe pasta hot, garnished with additional olives or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips:

- Make sure to cook the pasta until al dente, as it will provide the best texture for the dish.

- Use a variety of olives, like Kalamata and green olives, for a more complex flavor profile.

- If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes.

- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

- To ensure even cooking, finely mince the garlic cloves so they infuse the butter and olive oil well.

This Acini di pepe pasta with garlic and olives recipe offers a delicious and quick solution for a satisfying meal. The blend of buttery pasta, aromatic garlic, and briny olives creates a lovely harmony of flavors. Serve it with a fresh salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and delightful dinner.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size60 grams
Energy
Calories 190kcal8%
Protein
Protein 5g3%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 30g8%
Fiber 1.45g4%
Sugar 1.06g1%
Fat
Fat 8g9%
Saturated 2.84g9%
Cholesterol 11mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 40ug4%
Choline 8mg1%
Vitamin B1 0.34mg28%
Vitamin B2 0.15mg12%
Vitamin B3 2.73mg17%
Vitamin B6 0.08mg5%
Vitamin B9 90ug22%
Vitamin B12 0.00ug0%
Vitamin C 0.31mg0%
Vitamin E 0.23mg2%
Vitamin K 0.57ug0%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 22mg2%
Copper, Cu 0.14mg0%
Iron, Fe 1.99mg18%
Magnesium, Mg 22mg5%
Phosphorus, P 72mg6%
Potassium, K 99mg3%
Selenium, Se 24ug44%
Sodium, Na 81mg6%
Zinc, Zn 0.58mg5%
Water
Water 15g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2500 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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