De Cecco Acini Di Pepe No. 78 Pasta – Holiday Pantry Gift for Home Cooks and Italian Cuisine Lovers, 16 Oz
De Cecco Acini Di Pepe No. 78 Pasta – Holiday Pantry Gift for Home Cooks and Italian Cuisine Lovers, 16 Oz
Couldn't load pickup availability
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 this a good housewarming gift for someone who loves Italian food?
Yes. A staple Italian pantry item like De Cecco Acini Di Pepe is a thoughtful, useful housewarming gift that any home cook will reach for again and again.
Would this work as part of a larger Italian-themed gift basket?
Absolutely. Pair it with olive oil, balsamic, marinara, and a wooden spoon, and you have a beautiful, ready-to-give Italian dinner starter basket.
Is this an appropriate gift for a dinner party host?
Yes. Quality imported pasta is a gracious hostess gift that is both elegant and practical, and the host can use it the same week for a cozy family meal.
Does De Cecco package this pasta in a way that feels giftable?
The signature blue De Cecco packaging is recognizable, classic, and presentable, so the box can go straight into a gift bag or basket without extra wrapping.
Is this a good gift for a foodie friend who already owns everything?
Yes. Serious food lovers appreciate authentic imported staples, and the heritage, bronze-drawing, and slow-drying story makes De Cecco a gift with a real narrative behind it.
Can I include this in a holiday gift hamper?
Definitely. Italian pasta is a holiday hamper staple, and Acini Di Pepe is a unique alternative to standard spaghetti that makes the basket feel curated.
What occasions is this pasta most suited for as a gift?
It works beautifully for housewarmings, hostess thanks, holidays, birthdays, bridal showers, and corporate gifting for clients who enjoy cooking.
Is there a multi-pack option I can gift for more impact?
Yes. De Cecco offers 3-pack and 4-pack bundles, which are perfect for creating a more substantial gift with shape variety in one purchase.
Is this better than gifting a bottle of wine as a thank-you?
For non-drinkers, foodies, or hosts, an imported Italian pasta is often a more thoughtful, longer-lasting gift than wine, and it is far less likely to duplicate what they already own.
How does this compare to a generic grocery store pasta as a gift?
A premium imported Italian pasta signals intentionality and quality, while a generic box from the supermarket feels more like a forgotten errand than a real gift.
I worry a food gift is too impersonal, is this different?
A heritage Italian brand with a 130-plus-year story, an organic option, and a recognizable premium feel reads as a curated, considered choice rather than an impersonal grab.
Will the recipient appreciate the brand, or is it obscure?
De Cecco is one of the most recognized and respected Italian pasta brands worldwide, so the recipient will instantly recognize and appreciate the quality.
Is this safe to ship if I'm sending it directly to the recipient?
Yes. Dried pasta is non-perishable and ships easily in a sturdy box, making it ideal for direct-to-recipient gift shipping or subscription gift boxes.
Does the box have a long shelf life if the recipient wants to save it?
Dried pasta keeps for one to two years when stored properly, so the recipient can save it for a special occasion without worry.
Is this appropriate for a corporate or client gifting program?
Yes. Imported Italian pasta is universally appreciated, suitable for a wide range of recipients, and presents well, making it a smart corporate gifting choice.
Can I add a personal note to make the gift feel more meaningful?
Yes. Pair the pasta with a handwritten recipe card for Italian wedding soup or pastina, and you turn a simple box into a memorable, personalized gift.
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.
