Whole Wheat Pasta with Pecorino and Pepper

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this quick and wholesome Whole Wheat Pasta with Pecorino and Pepper. Featuring a creamy sauce crafted from nutty Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and a touch of olive oil, this recipe is a lighter, whole-grain take on the beloved Italian classic, Cacio e Pepe. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication, delivering bold flavor with minimal effort. The use of reserved pasta water creates a luscious, velvety texture, while the whole wheat pasta imparts a hearty, nutty depth that pairs beautifully with the sharp, salty Pecorino. Serve this comforting dish with an extra sprinkle of cheese and pepper for an irresistible finishing touch. Perfect for busy weeknights or elegant entertaining, this recipe is a true celebration of high-quality, minimalist ingredients.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole wheat pasta
• 1.5 cups Pecorino Romano cheese
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the kosher salt to the boiling water.

Step 2

Cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.

Step 3

Before draining the pasta, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside.

Step 4

Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

Step 5

While the pasta is still hot, drizzle the olive oil over it and toss to coat.

Step 6

Add freshly cracked black pepper to the pasta and toss well to distribute evenly.

Step 7

Gradually add the grated Pecorino Romano cheese in small increments, tossing the pasta continuously to melt the cheese and create a creamy sauce. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more black pepper or a pinch of salt if needed.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with additional Pecorino Romano and black pepper if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(789.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1322.3

Total Fat 77.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 43.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 170.5mg	0%
Sodium 3791.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 101.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.5g	0%
Total Sugars 3.2g
Protein 80.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2121.5mg	0%
Iron 6.0mg	0%
Potassium 623.7mg	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: 48.9%

Protein: 22.6%

Carbs: 28.6%