Description
This Cacio e Pepe Pasta recipe offers a creamy, comforting Italian classic made with plant-based cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. Simple ingredients combine to create a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that is vegetarian friendly and perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 200g spaghetti (use good-quality durum wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta)
- 100g plant-based cheese (finely grated)
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (natural)
- Salt (to season pasta water)
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Be sure to reserve about one cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
- Toast the Pepper: While the pasta cooks, gently toast freshly cracked black pepper in a warm skillet with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (natural) over medium heat. This releases aromatic oils to deepen the pepper’s flavor.
- Create the Sauce: Lower the heat and add a splash of reserved pasta water to the skillet, stirring to create a peppery base. Then add the grated plant-based cheese bit by bit, stirring vigorously so the sauce thickens smoothly without clumping.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat every strand with the creamy, peppery sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to achieve the perfect silky texture.
- Serve Immediately: Plate your Cacio e Pepe Pasta hot, sprinkling additional cracked black pepper and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (natural) on top for extra flavor and shine.
Notes
- Grate plant-based cheese finely for a smooth sauce without lumps.
- Use hot pasta water as it helps melt the cheese and creates a creamy emulsion.
- Always use freshly cracked black pepper for the boldest flavor and aroma.
- Stir constantly to ensure the sauce stays smooth and coats pasta evenly.
- Do not overcook pasta; al dente pasta holds the sauce better and keeps texture lively.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling and sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Cacio e Pepe, plant-based cheese pasta, Italian pasta, quick dinner, vegetarian pasta, creamy pepper pasta
