:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/EWL-Cacio-e-Pepe-Whole-Roasted-Cauliflower-1x1-089_preview_maxWidth_4000_maxHeight_4000_ppi_300_quality_100-0be6de7c84464f0a8910d91cebaf38d1.jpg "an image of the Cacio e Pepe Whole Roasted Cauliflower")
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Hostein, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee
Transform parmesan and black pepper into one of these mouthwatering dishes. From elevated veggie sides like our Cacio e Pepe Whole Roasted Cauliflower to simple mains like our High-Protein Cacio e Pepe Chicken Bites, this italian-inspired flavor profile is a definite crowdpleaser. Save all these recipes now and thank yourself later.
01 of 10
Cacio e Pepe Quiche
Photographer: Stacy Allen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
This cheesy cacio e pepe quiche is a protein-packed twist on the classic Italian pasta dish. Tender cauliflower, combined with a creamy custard and nutty cheese, has the same bold black pepper and salty Pecorino flavor as the original dish and makes the perfect breakfast, brunch or dinner dish served with a green salad on the side. Precooking the cauliflower is key—it reduces moisture, preventing a soggy quiche, and enhances the vegetable’s natural sweetness and flavor.
02 of 10
High-Protein Cacio e Pepe Chicken Bites
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Tricia Manzanero, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
These cacio e pepe chicken bites feature the classic bold, cheesy and peppery flavors of cacio e pepe. Using chicken thighs ensures a juicy and flavorful bite, while baking ensures a crispy, golden crust without the need for frying. These make a perfect appetizer or snack, or for a main dish, serve them over brown rice with a bright, lemony salad to balance the flavors.
03 of 10
Cacio e Pepe Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Hostein, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee
This whole roasted cauliflower is a showstopping dish with the bold, classic flavors of cacio e pepe. Infused with cheesy, garlicky goodness, each bite is complemented by a kick of black pepper. Paired with a cool, creamy sauce, the warm, tender cauliflower creates the perfect contrast, making it as satisfying to eat as it is impressive to serve.
04 of 10
Cacio e Pepe Winter Squash
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
This cacio e pepe winter squash recipe is the ultimate cool-weather side dish. This twist on the classic Roman pasta brings the cheesy and peppery flavors of Cacio e Pepe to sweet acorn squash, making it a cozy, flavorful addition to any fall or winter meal. For a simple variation, give this easy recipe a try with another winter squash like delicata or butternut.
05 of 10
Cacio e Pepe Sautéed Onions
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Abigail Armstrong
These sautéed onions with cacio e pepe flavors bring the essence of the classic Italian pasta to new heights. The savory combination of Pecorino Romano cheese and freshly cracked black pepper coating lightly caramelized onions can be enjoyed on its own, used as a topping for pasta and roasted chicken or used as a filling for a toasted sandwich.
06 of 10
Creamy Cacio e Pepe Orzo
"Cacio e pepe" is Italian for "cheese and pepper." So, you know what you're getting plenty of here. Creamy buttermilk provides a zing, and if you've never had a cacio e pepe-style dish before, this orzo rendition is a great introduction. (Warning: It may remind you of macaroni and cheese!)
07 of 10
Roasted Cacio e Pepe Cabbage
Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Prop Stylist: Tucker Vines, Food Stylist: Amanda Stanfield
These perfectly roasted cabbage wedges draw inspiration from cacio e pepe, an Italian pasta dish that translates to “cheese and pepper.” Blooming the black pepper in butter and oil before brushing it on the cabbage deepens the flavor and ensures a peppery kick in every bite. Be sure to heat the baking sheet while the oven preheats—it helps jump-start the browning of the cabbage. Serve alongside seared chicken thighs or grilled steak.
08 of 10
Cacio e Pepe Pasta with Peas
The sauce for this pasta dish is just cheese and pepper (aka cacio e pepe in Italian). Try this with kids as a simple yet sophisticated alternative to standard mac and cheese. Lots of black pepper adds a touch of heat, priming picky palates for spicier food.
09 of 10
Cacio e Pepe Kale Salad
Heami Lee, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keeley
If you love the peppery, cheesy flavors of cacio e pepe, then you’ll enjoy this Cacio e Pepe Kale Salad. We give the dish a spin by using those same flavors with kale, a nutrient-rich vegetable that can help fend off chronic inflammation.
10 of 10
Cacio e Pepe
When making this elemental Roman pasta, most people focus on the cheese (cacio), with purists arguing for youngish pecorino Romano. But the peppercorns (pepe) are also essential to this dish, so it's a great time to try a single-origin variety. Boiling down some reserved pasta-cooking water before mixing with the al dente spaghetti concentrates the starch for an even more luscious sauce. Look for a hard grating cheese made without rennet if you want to keep it truly vegetarian.
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