De Cecco Acini Di Pepe No. 78 Pasta – Family-Safe Italian Pasta for Children and Picky Eaters, Slow-Dried 16 Oz
De Cecco Acini Di Pepe No. 78 Pasta – Family-Safe Italian Pasta for Children and Picky Eaters, Slow-Dried 16 Oz
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Why you'll love it
- Heritage authenticity from a brand making pasta in Italy since 1886
- Bronze-drawn, slow-dried process delivers a rougher surface that holds sauce better
- Genuine 'fresh pasta' aroma, flavor, and firm al dente texture versus mass-market pasta
- Tiny Acini Di Pepe shape is fun for kids and ideal for clear broths and baby food
- Wide shape variety (Cavatappi, Orecchiette, Penne Rigate, Paccheri, Elbows, etc.) covers virtually any Italian recipe
- Multi-pack bundles (3-pack, 4-pack) provide pantry value and shape variety in one purchase
- Home-made taste and chewy-yet-tender texture
- Made with high-grade / real flour
- No GMO / has vitamins
- Holds shape without breaking up in water
- Ridges (rigate) are excellent for grabbing sauce
- Consistent quality across the product line
Perfect for
- Cooking traditional Italian soups and consommé with Acini Di Pepe or Farfalline
- Preparing baby food and toddler-friendly vegetable soups with tiny pasta shapes
- Making family pasta dinners with versatile shapes like Penne Rigate, Farfalle, or Orecchiette
- Building a premium multi-shape pasta pantry using 3-pack and 4-pack bundles
- Creating thick, creamy or velvety soups enhanced with croutons or julienned vegetables
- Baked tuna casserole with mushroom soup, tuna, vegetables, and grated cheese
- Served plain with oil, salt, black olives, or mayonnaise
- Hearty meat ragu, creamy pesto, or simple tomato sauce pairings
De Cecco Orecchiette No. 91 Pasta 16
Orecchiette (little ears), also known as "strascicati", are a typical pasta shape from the Apulia culinary tradition. The shape is a round disc with a slight indent in the centre. In the culinary tradition of Apulia of home-made pasta, orecchiette were made with white flour, durum wheat semolina and water. After the pasta dough had been cut into small pieces, it was "dragged" ("strascicati" in Italian) with the tip of a knife to create a sort of small shell, then pulled back with the tip of the thumb. In traditional Apulia cooking, orecchiette are cooked in boiling water with broccoli or potatoes and served with a tomato sauce and sheep's cheese, or with garlic and Oil This pasta is also known as "Recchie" and is served with vegetable ragù, or lamb and ricotta ragù.
Product Information
Authentic Italian Pasta: De Cecco Orecchiette No. 91 is a traditional Italian pasta with a small, cup-like shape. The surface allows the pasta to perfectly capture and hold thick, flavorful sauces Premium Ingredients: We use durum wheat which is a high-protein, hard variety of wheat. The result is a smooth, firm bite that holds its shape and taste, giving you a superior pasta experience The De Cecco Method: Our pasta is renowned for its slow-drying process, where the pasta is gently dried at low temperatures for longer periods. This technique preserves the pasta's flavor, texture, and nutritional quality Endless Possibilities: Pair our pasta with a hearty rag ragù, a delicious pesto, sautéed vegetables, or enjoy it with a chunky meat sauce. Our versatile pasta helps transform every lunch & dinner into an unforgettable moment Discover the Tradition: Since 1886, we've been dedicated to bringing authentic Italian flavors to tables worldwide, with passion and attention to every detail, preserving a tradition of excellence without compromise.
Product Dimensions : 2.74 x 5.22 x 6.78 inches; 1 Pounds Item model number : VSS0091 UPC : 024094070916 Manufacturer : De Cecco Pasta Units : 16.0 Ounce Best Sellers Rank: #2,280 in Grocery & Gourmet Food
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Acini Di Pepe small enough for my toddler to eat safely?
Yes. Acini Di Pepe, sometimes called pastina, is one of the smallest pasta shapes available, making it ideal for toddlers learning to chew and perfect for little mouths at the family table.
Will this pasta hold its shape when I cook it into a vegetable soup for my kids?
Absolutely. De Cecco pasta is bronze-drawn and slow-dried, so it keeps its structure during simmering and won't turn to mush in brothy soups, even after extra cooking time.
Is the ingredient list clean enough for homemade baby food?
Yes. De Cecco Acini Di Pepe is made with 100% semolina and durum wheat with no artificial additives, and an organic option is available for parents who want the cleanest possible pantry staple.
Can I use this pasta to make baby-led weaning recipes?
Yes. The tiny, soft, easy-to-grip beads are excellent for early eaters when cooked until tender, and they pair well with puréed vegetables, olive oil, or mild broth.
Does this pasta contain common allergens I should worry about for my child?
De Cecco Acini Di Pepe is made from wheat, so it contains gluten. It does not contain egg, dairy, or nuts in the standard formulation, which makes it suitable for many children with those specific allergies.
Is this a good pasta to keep on hand for quick weeknight kid meals?
Definitely. Acini Di Pepe cooks in just a few minutes and works beautifully in broth-based soups, buttered pasta sides, and simple one-pot family dinners.
Will my picky eater actually enjoy the taste and texture?
Children tend to love the fun, bead-like shape, and the slow-dried process gives De Cecco a mild, fresh-pasta aroma and tender al dente bite that is more appealing than mass-market brands.
Can I pack this in school or daycare lunches?
Yes. Cooked Acini Di Pepe holds up well in thermoses and lunch containers, and you can dress it lightly with olive oil, mild cheese, or vegetables for a kid-friendly meal.
How does this compare to regular small pasta in the grocery aisle for kid meals?
Unlike typical supermarket brands, De Cecco uses a bronze die and slow-drying process, which gives a rougher surface that grips sauce and broth, and a chewier, more satisfying texture that kids notice.
Is this a better choice than orzo for my toddler's soup?
For very young eaters, Acini Di Pepe is often easier to manage than orzo because the tiny, rounded shape is less of a choking concern and blends seamlessly into broth.
Is the box safe to store in a lower cabinet my child can reach?
Yes, the cardboard box is child-safe and free of sharp edges or small detachable parts, so it can be stored in lower kitchen cabinets without concern.
Will the tiny pasta scatter and make a mess if my child helps in the kitchen?
Acini Di Pepe is one of the cleanest shapes to cook with kids because each piece is small and contained, so spills are minimal and pouring into boiling water is simple.
I worry about heavy metal or pesticide residue in baby food, is this pasta a safer option?
De Cecco sources high-grade durum wheat and offers an organic line, and Italian pasta production is regulated to strict European food safety standards, making it a trusted choice for parents concerned about residue.
How long does an open box stay fresh for a family that cooks small portions?
An opened box stored in a cool, dry pantry stays fresh for many months thanks to the slow-drying process, so a single 16 oz box can last a long time for a family of young children.
Does De Cecco test its products for safety and quality like baby food brands do?
De Cecco has been producing pasta in Italy since 1886 under strict quality controls, and its semolina and durum wheat pasta meets the high standards expected for family cooking.
Is this a choking hazard for my baby just starting solids?
Always consult your pediatrician, but Acini Di Pepe is one of the smallest and most recommended shapes for early eaters because it cooks down to a soft, easy-to-swallow size when fully done.
How do I cook Acini Di Pepe pasta perfectly al dente?
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil, add the pasta, and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Begin tasting at 5 minutes and pull it out when it is tender but still has a slight bite in the center.
What is the best way to add Acini Di Pepe to soup without overcooking it?
Cook the soup base first, then add the dry pasta in the last 8 to 10 minutes of simmering so it absorbs flavor while staying intact. If making ahead, cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl to prevent it from soaking up too much broth.
Can I use Acini Di Pepe in a baked casserole?
Yes. Acini Di Pepe works beautifully in baked tuna or chicken casseroles, in pasta bakes with tomato or cream sauce, and in gratins, though the small size means it cooks faster than larger pasta shapes.
Does this pasta work in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, but add it only in the final 15 to 20 minutes of cooking in a slow cooker to avoid mushiness, and use the sauté or pressure-cook setting briefly in an Instant Pot. The small shape absorbs liquid quickly, so timing matters.
Is this pasta compatible with gluten-free diets?
No, De Cecco Acini Di Pepe is made from durum wheat semolina and contains gluten. For gluten-free needs, choose a certified gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or legumes.
Does this pasta pair well with oil-based and cream-based sauces?
Yes. The bronze-drawn surface grabs onto light olive oil and garlic sauces, cream sauces, pesto, and chunky vegetable sauces equally well, making it one of the most versatile shapes in the De Cecco line.
What exactly comes in the box when I order it?
Each box contains 16 oz of dry De Cecco Acini Di Pepe No. 78 pasta, ready to cook. No additional ingredients, accessories, or tools are included, and nothing extra is required to prepare it beyond water, salt, and a pot.
Is this pasta safe for people with wheat allergies?
No, this product is made from wheat and is not safe for anyone with a wheat allergy or celiac disease. Always consult your doctor for ingredient compatibility with your specific dietary needs.
How should I store an opened box of pasta?
Seal the box tightly with a clip or transfer the pasta to an airtight container, and store it in a cool, dry pantry away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Properly stored, it will keep for one to two years.
What is the difference between Acini Di Pepe and orzo?
Acini Di Pepe are tiny, round, bead-like pasta, while orzo is a larger, rice-shaped pasta. Acini Di Pepe is often preferred for clear broths, baby food, and pastina dishes, while orzo works better in salads and denser soups.
What is the difference between Acini Di Pepe and pastina?
Acini Di Pepe is one specific type of pastina. Pastina is the Italian category for tiny pasta shapes used in broth and baby food, and Acini Di Pepe, with its small round beads, is the most popular variety within that category.
