Cacio e Pepe

If you’ve never had cacio e pepe, you sure are missing out. It’s a simple but delicious Italian dish that traditionally consists of Pecorino Romano, spaghetti noodles, and pepper (and sometimes butter, too). The term cacio e pepe literally means “cheese and pepper.” I mean…is there really anything better than butter, cheese, and noodles? Yum!

Although the traditional version will always be a fave and there is certainly a time and place to indulge, I am a health coach, so you KNOW I’m going to find a way to create a slightly healthier and more macro-friendly alternative. I love creating healthier versions of favorite dishes so we can all have the best of both worlds in terms of food that is delicious but also good for us on a “more than once in a while” basis. Makes it a bit easier to stay aligned with our fitness, nutrition, and health goals, right? *winky face*

With that said, here’s my version of a lightened up cacio e pepe:

Ingredients:

1 box of dry spaghetti
3 tbsp butter
1/4 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated or shredded parmesan or pecorino romano
1 tsp fresh cracked pepper
optional: sprinkle of red pepper flakes

Directions:

-Cook pasta according to package (al dente is best) and drain when finished, saving 1/4 cup of the pasta water in a separate dish
-Transfer the cooked pasta to a bowl and add the butter, mixing until fully melted and combined
-Add the cottage cheese and grated cheese and mix until combined
-Add the pasta water as needed to thicken the sauce
-Sprinkle with fresh cracked black pepper and red pepper flakes to your liking
-Portion out your serving, top with extra cheese, and enjoy!

What other dishes would you like to see me recreate and “healthify?” Comment below your favorites! And as always, tag me on IG @katiegrevlosfitness if you make this.

-KG