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Healthy Cacio E Pepe


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5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Susan
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 cups 1x

Description

Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I'm thrilled to bring you a culinary masterpiece healthy Cacio E Pepe. Not only is this a timeless classic but also a guilt-free indulgence.

Fear not, for I have a solution that's set to dazzle your taste buds and satisfy your cravings without compromising your health goals.

Introducing the simple 10-minute prep, 10-minute cook Healthy Weight Watchers Cacio e Pepe – a dish that effortlessly combines Italian tradition with smart and mindful choices.

In the whirlwind of modern life, it's a constant challenge to find recipes that are both nourishing and swift to prepare


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1/2 Tablespoon of whole black peppercorns.
  • 4 ounces of uncooked pasta.
  • 1 1/2 ounces of Grated Pecorino Cheese


Instructions

  1. Toast your whole peppercorns over medium heat for 2-3 minutes in a sauce pans to extract the oils. Then transfer your peppercorns to a pepper grinder or mortar and pestle and grind to a medium coarse grind. Add back to your pan with the heat off.
  2. Cook your pasta in lightly salted water. Two minutes before the pasta is done, reserve 1 cup of pasta water and set aside to cool to about 150 degrees F. I used a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
  3. Still keeping your pan off the heat, add 3/4 of your grated cheese to your peppercorns along with 1/4 cup of pasta water at a time, stirring until you get a loose but emulsified sauce.
  4. Add you drained pasta and mix vigorously. At this point your pasta should start to absorb the sauce, but add additional pasta water and mix if the sauce is too thick. Continue mixing until you have achieved the correct consistency. Serve immediately garnished with remaining cheese and enjoy! Serving size about 1 cup.

Notes

  • Use Whole Wheat Pasta: Choose whole wheat or alternative grain pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
  • Portion Control: Stick to recommended portion sizes to keep the dish balanced and avoid overeating.
  • High-Quality Cheese: Use genuine Pecorino Romano cheese for that authentic flavor. A little goes a long way.
  • Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Grind fresh black pepper for the best flavor. It's a key component of the dish.
  • Salt Wisely: Use salt sparingly, as Pecorino is already salty. Taste as you go to avoid oversalting.
  • Minimal Ingredients: Keep it simple. Traditional Cacio e Pepe uses only a few ingredients, so avoid unnecessary additions.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: Save some pasta cooking water before draining. It helps create a creamy sauce without excessive oil or butter.
  • Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or basil to add a burst of flavor and nutrients.
  • Add Vegetables: Enhance the nutrition by adding lightly sautéed or blanched vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes.
  • Lean Protein: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or a lean protein of your choice to make it a balanced meal.
  • Control Cooking Time: Cook the pasta al dente. Overcooked pasta will affect the texture of the dish.
  • Use a Quality Pan: A good non-stick or stainless-steel pan prevents sticking and allows for even heating
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 297
  • Sugar: 1.7 g
  • Sodium: 309 mg
  • Fat: 6.7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44.2 g
  • Protein: 14.3 g
  • Cholesterol: 22.2 mg