Heart-Healthy Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe
Indulge in the classic comfort of Italian cuisine with a nutritious twist in this Heart-Healthy Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe. Crafted using whole-grain spaghetti for added fiber, this recipe swaps out traditional butter and heavy cream for extra-virgin olive oil and low-sodium vegetable broth, creating a lighter yet delightfully creamy sauce. Freshly cracked black pepper adds bold flavor, while a touch of zesty lemon brightens each bite. Grated reduced-fat Parmesan cheese brings the signature richness, all balanced with optional parsley for a burst of fresh herbaceousness. With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this quick and wholesome dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend treat. Enjoy the timeless elegance of Cacio e Pepe—made better for your heart!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Whole-grain spaghetti
- 2 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup Low-sodium vegetable broth
- 3 oz Grated reduced-fat Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp Lemon zest
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook the whole-grain spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the freshly cracked black pepper and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Pour the low-sodium vegetable broth into the skillet with the toasted pepper. Stir and let it simmer for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with the reserved cooking water, 1/4 cup at a time, to achieve a lightly saucy consistency.
Stir in the grated reduced-fat Parmesan cheese, tossing the pasta continuously until the cheese melts and coats the spaghetti evenly. Avoid overheating to prevent the cheese from clumping.
Add the lemon zest for a bright, fresh flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional black pepper if needed.
Transfer the spaghetti to serving plates. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your heart-healthy Cacio e Pepe!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1032 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 55.9 g | 72% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.5 g | 108% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 85 mg | 28% | |
| Sodium | 1596 mg | 69% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 97.0 g | 35% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.1 g | 61% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.2 g | ||
| Protein | 52.7 g | 105% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1111 mg | 85% | |
| Iron | 7.6 mg | 42% | |
| Potassium | 891 mg | 19% | |
*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.
