Low Sodium Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe
Indulge in the comforting simplicity of Low Sodium Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe—a health-conscious twist on the classic Roman pasta dish. This recipe retains all the velvety goodness of traditional cacio e pepe by combining al dente unsalted spaghetti with a luscious sauce made from creamy low-sodium Pecorino Romano, freshly cracked black pepper, and a touch of unsalted butter. Perfectly balanced and bold in flavor, this dish relies on the rich, nutty notes of quality cheese and the warm, peppery aroma of toasted black pepper for its signature taste, all while keeping sodium levels in check. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s the ultimate quick and elegant meal for any weeknight. Garnish with extra pepper for a simple yet sophisticated presentation!
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Ingredients
- 12 oz Spaghetti (unsalted)
- 1.5 cups Pecorino Romano cheese (low sodium, finely grated)
- 2 tsp Freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 1.5 cups Reserved pasta water (hot)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, but do NOT add salt to the water to keep the dish low sodium.
Step 2
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). This should take about 8-10 minutes.
Step 3
Before draining the spaghetti, reserve 1.5 cups of the cooking water in a heatproof measuring cup and set aside. Then, drain the pasta.
Step 4
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the freshly cracked black pepper and toast it lightly for 1-2 minutes to release its aroma.
Step 5
Lower the heat and add 1 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Gradually whisk in the grated Pecorino Romano cheese until it forms a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
Step 6
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss it gently to evenly coat the pasta with the sauce.
Step 7
Taste and adjust if necessary, keeping in mind that the cheese naturally provides some saltiness, so additional salt is not needed.
Step 8
Serve immediately, garnished with extra cracked black pepper if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1089.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2198.4 |
| Total Fat 134.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 86.0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 419.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2156.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 110.9g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 7.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 1.9g | |
| Protein 128.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 142.9IU | 0% |
| Calcium 3632.2mg | 0% |
| Iron 4.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 584.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories