Acini di Pepe with Lemon Butter and Zucchini is a delightful pasta dish that combines small pasta pearls (acini di pepe) with a flavorful lemon butter sauce and sautéed zucchini. Here’s the information you requested:
What is it?
Acini di Pepe is a type of pasta that resembles small pearls or grains. The name “acini di pepe” translates to “grains of pepper” in Italian, referring to its tiny size. When prepared in this dish, it is typically cooked until tender and then mixed with a lemon butter sauce and sautéed zucchini.
History:
The history of this specific dish is not well-documented, but it falls within the broader category of Italian pasta dishes. Pasta, in general, has a long history in Italian cuisine, dating back centuries.
Components:
The main components of Acini di Pepe with Lemon Butter and Zucchini include:
- Acini di Pepe pasta
- Zucchini
- Butter
- Lemon
- Olive oil
- Garlic (optional)
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Steps to Prepare:
Here’s a simplified recipe for Acini di Pepe with Lemon Butter and Zucchini:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Acini di Pepe pasta
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Zest and juice of one lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Cook the Acini di Pepe pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced zucchini and sauté until they are tender and slightly golden brown. Remove the zucchini from the skillet and set them aside.
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In the same skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic (if using) and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Stir in the lemon zest and juice into the butter sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Return the cooked Acini di Pepe pasta and sautéed zucchini to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated with the lemon butter sauce.
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Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Preparation Time:
The preparation time for this dish can vary, but it typically takes around 30-40 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time.
Enjoy your delicious Acini di Pepe with Lemon Butter and Zucchini!
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Acini Di Pepe with Lemon Butter and Zucchini:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):
- Calories: 350-400 calories
- Protein: 7-9 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50-55 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 3-4 grams
- Sugars: 3-4 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 8-10 grams
- Cholesterol: 30-40 milligrams
- Sodium: 300-350 milligrams
- Vitamin C: Approximately 20-25% of daily recommended intake
- Calcium: Approximately 5-8% of daily recommended intake
- Iron: Approximately 10-15% of daily recommended intake
Health Information:
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Moderate Calories: Acini di Pepe with Lemon Butter and Zucchini is a moderately calorie-rich dish. It can be part of a balanced diet but should be consumed in moderation, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake.
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Protein: The dish provides a moderate amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
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Carbohydrates: It contains a significant amount of carbohydrates, primarily from pasta. Carbohydrates are a source of energy, but be mindful of portion size if you’re managing your carb intake.
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Fiber: While there’s some dietary fiber from the zucchini and pasta, consider adding more vegetables or a side salad to increase fiber content, which aids in digestion.
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Fats: The dish contains a moderate amount of fats, primarily from butter and olive oil. While fats are essential for nutrient absorption and energy, they should be consumed in moderation, especially saturated fats.
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Vitamin C: Lemon zest and juice provide a good amount of vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health.
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Calcium: The dish provides a small amount of calcium, which is important for bone health. Consider adding dairy or dairy alternatives to your diet for additional calcium if needed.
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Iron: It contains a moderate amount of iron, which is vital for oxygen transport in the body.
Remember that the specific nutritional content may vary based on the brand and quantity of ingredients used. It’s important to balance this dish with other nutrient-rich foods to meet your overall dietary needs.
