Dairy-Free Cacio e Pepe
Delight in the rich, creamy flavors of *Dairy-Free Cacio e Pepe*, a plant-based twist on the classic Italian dish that's as indulgent as it is wholesome. This recipe replaces traditional cheese with a velvety cashew cream blended with nutritional yeast, delivering a satisfying "cheesy" flavor without any dairy. Freshly cracked black pepper toasted in olive oil gives the dish its signature peppery kick, while garlic and onion powder add depth to the sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, this simple yet elegant meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or sophisticated entertaining. Serve piping hot with a sprinkle of extra nutritional yeast for a final touch of umami. Whether you're dairy-free or simply looking for a lighter version of the classic, this vegan cacio e pepe is sure to become a favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 4 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 cup unsalted cashews
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1.5 cups water
Instructions
Begin by preparing the cashew cream: Place the unsalted cashews in a bowl, cover them with hot water, and let them soak for 15 minutes.
Once soaked, drain the cashews and transfer them to a blender.
Add 1.5 cups water, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt to the blender. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
In a large pan over low heat, add the olive oil and freshly cracked black pepper. Toast the pepper in the oil for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Add the drained spaghetti to the pan and toss to coat it with the peppery olive oil.
Pour the cashew cream over the spaghetti and mix well. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency with the reserved pasta water, adding a little at a time until you reach your desired creaminess.
Adjust seasoning with additional sea salt and more cracked black pepper to taste.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional nutritional yeast if desired for a cheesy flavor boost.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1476 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 93.5 g | 120% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.9 g | 80% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2374 mg | 103% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 121.8 g | 44% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.7 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.0 g | ||
| Protein | 47.1 g | 94% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 123 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 14.3 mg | 79% | |
| Potassium | 1354 mg | 29% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
