Skip to main content
Epicurious
Gourmet

Lemon Pepper Acini di Pepe

This small, round pasta is named for its resemblance to peppercorns, so why not pair it with black pepper, which, along with lemon, adds brightness to the parmesan?
By Melissa Roberts

4.7

(8)

Image may contain Food Breakfast Oatmeal and Plant
Lemon Pepper Acini di PepeRomulo Yanes

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    20 min

  • Yield

    Serves 6 (side dish)

Ingredients

2 cups acini di pepe (less than 1 pound)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cook acini di pepe in a 4-quart pot of boiling salted water (2 teaspoons salt for 3 quart water) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain pasta.

    Step 2

    Melt butter in same pot with oil. Remove from heat and stir in pasta, cheese, zest, pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup cooking water (add more to moisten if necessary).

TagsPastaItalian AmericanItalianEuropeanLemonCitrusFruitParmesanCheeseDairySideDinnerNut FreeVegetarianEasyQuick5 Ingredients or FewerGourmet
Read More
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App in May
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Whole Lemon Bars
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.
The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App This Week
Like “phenomenal” whole lemon bars and grilled salmon with dill chimichurri.
Grilled Salmon With Dill Chimichurri
Grilling fish atop a bed of lemon slices is the key to not sticking.
Grilled Steak With Spicy Peanut Dressing
A punchy, spicy peanut vinaigrette transforms a simply grilled steak into a showstopping main.
Charred Vegetable Ragù
This sauce is slightly magical. The texture cloaks pasta much like a traditional meat sauce does, and the flavors are deep and rich, but it’s actually vegan!
Miso-Peanut Hibachi Chicken
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.