Gluten-Free Cacio e Pepe Pasta
Dive into the rich simplicity of **Gluten-Free Cacio e Pepe Pasta**, a quick yet indulgent twist on the traditional Roman classic. This recipe combines the nutty, sharp flavor of **Pecorino Romano cheese** with the fragrant, bold punch of **freshly ground black pepper**, all brought together in a creamy, buttery sauce that clings perfectly to tender gluten-free spaghetti. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish strikes the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication. With a velvety sauce created effortlessly by blending pasta water and cheese, it's a great option for those seeking authentic Italian flavors without the gluten. Serve this crowd-pleasing, naturally vegetarian pasta as a cozy weeknight dinner or an elegant addition to your next dinner party menu.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Gluten-free spaghetti
- 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated
- 1 tbsp Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 4 cups Water
Instructions
Fill a large pot with 4 cups of water, add 0.5 tsp of salt, and bring it to a boil.
Add the gluten-free spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tbsp of unsalted butter in a large, deep skillet over medium heat.
Once the butter has melted, add 1 tbsp of freshly ground black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it toast lightly for about 1 minute to release its aroma.
Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the rest. Do not rinse the pasta.
Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the pepper and butter mixture.
Gradually toss the pasta while adding the finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese, using the reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a creamy sauce. Adjust the heat as needed to keep the sauce smooth but avoid boiling.
Continue to toss the pasta until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened and evenly coated the strands. This should take around 3-5 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more ground pepper for a spicier kick.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Pecorino Romano if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1651 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 96.3 g | 123% | |
| Saturated Fat | 57.6 g | 288% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 276 mg | 92% | |
| Sodium | 5486 mg | 239% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 119.9 g | 44% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.9 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.4 g | ||
| Protein | 79.0 g | 158% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 2686 mg | 207% | |
| Iron | 5.5 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 467 mg | 10% | |
*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.
