Low Fat Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe
Indulge in the comforting flavors of classic Italian cuisine with a guilt-free twist in this Low Fat Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe recipe. Perfectly al dente whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti is coated in a velvety sauce made lighter with reduced-fat Pecorino Romano cheese and a splash of savory chicken or vegetable stock. A gentle toasting of freshly ground black pepper in fragrant olive oil enhances its bold, peppery character, while reserved pasta cooking water ensures a luxuriously silky texture. Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is a healthier take on the Roman classic, offering all the taste with less fat—ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy date nights. Garnish with extra Pecorino and cracked pepper for the ultimate finishing touch!
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Ingredients
- 200 grams spaghetti (whole wheat or gluten-free if desired)
- 60 grams grated Pecorino Romano cheese (reduced-fat if available)
- 1.5 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 100 milliliters unsalted chicken or vegetable stock
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the salt.
Step 2
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
Step 3
In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the freshly ground black pepper and gently toast it for about 1 minute to release its flavor.
Step 4
Add the chicken or vegetable stock to the saucepan and allow it to heat up for 2-3 minutes. This will serve as the base for a lighter sauce.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the grated Pecorino Romano cheese in small batches, stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy mixture. Avoid overheating to prevent the cheese from clumping.
Step 6
Add the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed, ensuring it achieves a silky texture.
Step 7
Toss the cooked spaghetti in the sauce until well coated.
Step 8
Serve immediately, garnished with an extra sprinkle of Pecorino Romano and freshly ground black pepper if desired. Enjoy your low-fat Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (381.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 562.7 |
| Total Fat 26.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 8.9g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g | |
| Cholesterol 32.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2061.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 57.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 9.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 1.9g | |
| Protein 28.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 12.9IU | 0% |
| Calcium 587.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 3.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 194.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories