Low Sodium Cacio e Pepe Pasta

Indulge in a guilt-free twist on a classic with this Low Sodium Cacio e Pepe Pasta—a creamy, flavorful dish that proves you don’t need salt to create a culinary masterpiece. This heart-healthy recipe swaps traditional salt-laden ingredients for unsalted butter, low-sodium Parmesan, and fragrant black pepper, ensuring every bite bursts with bold yet balanced flavors. A splash of reserved pasta water and a touch of garlic powder create a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to al dente spaghetti. For an optional pop of freshness, lemon zest and chopped parsley provide the perfect finishing touch. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy-to-make pasta dish is a delicious choice for low-sodium diets without sacrificing indulgence or authenticity.

Nutriscore Rating: 42/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon Extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Freshly cracked black pepper
• 1.5 cups Grated Parmesan cheese (preferably low-sodium)
• 1 cup Grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Remember not to add any salt to the cooking water to keep the sodium level low.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat the unsalted butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the freshly cracked black pepper to the skillet and toast it in the butter and oil for 1-2 minutes until it becomes aromatic.

Step 4

Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.

Step 5

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the butter and pepper mixture.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low, then add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet and toss the spaghetti to coat evenly.

Step 7

Gradually add the grated Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses to the skillet, continuously tossing the pasta to evenly coat and melt the cheese into a creamy sauce. Add more reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.

Step 8

Sprinkle the garlic powder over the pasta and mix well.

Step 9

If you'd like a hint of brightness, stir in the lemon zest at this point.

Step 10

Serve the Low Sodium Cacio e Pepe hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(990.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3308.1

Total Fat 205.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 121.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 358.4mg	0%
Sodium 8310.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 132.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.9g	0%
Total Sugars 3.4g
Protein 225.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 6642.1mg	0%
Iron 8.8mg	0%
Potassium 720.1mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.3%

Protein: 27.5%

Carbs: 16.2%