Description
Cacio e Pepe Pasta is a creamy and peppery Italian pasta dish made with minimal ingredients including plant-based cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. This quick and versatile recipe delivers comforting richness and bold flavor in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cooking
- 200g spaghetti or linguine
- Salt for boiling water
Sauce and Flavor
- 100g plant-based cheese (melting, savory)
- 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just shy of al dente, as it will finish cooking with the sauce. Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water then drain the pasta.
- Toast the Black Pepper: In a large skillet over medium heat, gently toast the freshly cracked black pepper in olive oil until aromatic, releasing its flavors to create the signature peppery bite.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, combine the plant-based cheese with a splash of reserved pasta water and the natural gelling agent. Stir until smooth and creamy, then add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) for extra umami depth.
- Combine Everything: Return the drained pasta to the skillet with toasted black pepper and olive oil. Pour in the creamy cheese mixture and toss gently but quickly to coat the pasta evenly. Add extra pasta water if needed to achieve a silky, saucy consistency.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the pasta right away to enjoy the sauce at its best texture and flavor. Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper on top for a perfect finish.
Notes
- Use fresh black pepper for more flavor and aroma.
- Reserve pasta water to help thicken and bind the sauce naturally.
- Choose quality melting plant-based cheese for creamy texture.
- Under-cook pasta slightly to allow perfect finishing in sauce.
- Work quickly after combining ingredients as the sauce sets fast.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Cacio e Pepe, Plant-Based Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Black Pepper Pasta, Italian Dinner, Quick Pasta Recipe
