Skip to main content

Acini de Pepe with Spinach and Feta

4.2

(36)

Image may contain Plant Bowl Food Produce Cutlery Spoon Vegetable Bean and Lentil
Acini de Pepe with Spinach and Feta

Acini di pepe, the Italian term for "peppercorns," also refers to tiny pearls of pasta. This dish goes well with lamb chops or grilled chicken.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    20 min

  • Yield

    Makes 6 side-dish servings

Ingredients

1/2 lb acini di pepe or orzo (1 1/4 cups)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced (1 tablespoon)
1/4 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
3 scallions, chopped
1 (10-oz) package chopped frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 cup crumbled feta (3 oz; preferably French)
Accompaniment: lemon wedges

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cook pasta in a 4- to 6-quart pot of boiling salted water , uncovered, stirring occasionally, until al dente, then drain well in a coarse-mesh sieve. Transfer to a bowl and keep warm, covered.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, heat oil and butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté garlic, red pepper flakes, and scallions, stirring occasionally, until garlic is golden, about 2 minutes. Add spinach and cook, stirring, until heated through, about 4 minutes.

    Step 3

    Toss pasta with spinach mixture and feta until combined. Season with salt and pepper.

Read More
Loosely inspired by pasta Amatriciana, a few pounds of zucchini stand in for tomatoes.
All pizza toppings welcome, especially pickled peppers, olives, maybe an anchovy or 10.
Bathe greens and chickpeas in a garlicky, tomato-enhanced broth. Stretch a block of Halloumi by grating and toasting it into a topping for the soup.
This garlicky shrimp scampi version of a classic bisque embraces the technique of blending seafood shells for a luxuriously silky and creamy end result.
This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.
Spiced, tender meatballs get cooked atop a bed of rice pilaf speckled with pistachios and plump golden raisins in this quick, one-pot dinner.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
A one-pot celebration of summer vegetables.