Description
This Easy Cacio e Pepe Pasta recipe combines creamy plant-based (plant-based) cheese and freshly cracked black pepper for a quick, flavorful, and comforting pasta dish inspired by classic Roman flavors. Ready in under 20 minutes, it uses simple ingredients and a natural gelling agent to create a luscious, peppery sauce that clings perfectly to spaghetti pasta, making it perfect for any cozy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 200g Spaghetti Pasta
- 100g Plant-Based Cheese (plant-based), finely grated
- 1 tablespoon Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (natural)
- 1 teaspoon Natural Gelling Agent
- 1 cup Salted Water for Pasta
- 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti pasta and cook until just al dente, following package instructions. Reserve about one cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Toast the Pepper: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the freshly cracked black pepper and toast for a minute or two until aromatic to intensify its flavor, the heart of the sauce.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the finely grated plant-based cheese (plant-based) with a small pinch of salt and the natural gelling agent. Slowly whisk in some reserved pasta water to form a creamy, smooth paste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the toasted black pepper. Pour in the cheese mixture and add a splash of apple cider vinegar. Toss vigorously to coat every strand of pasta, adding more pasta water if necessary to achieve a luscious sauce.
- Final Touches: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil (natural) over the pasta and give everything a final gentle toss. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy, peppery Cacio e Pepe Pasta at its best.
Notes
- Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor intensity.
- Reserve some pasta water as its starch helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
- Grate the plant-based cheese finely so it melts smoothly without clumping.
- Toss pasta and cheese while hot to achieve the best creamy consistency.
- Adjust sauce texture by gradually adding reserved pasta water until desired creaminess is reached.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Cacio e Pepe, Plant-Based Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipe, Quick Dinner, Italian Pasta
