Looking for a quick, comforting, and incredibly simple pasta dish? This vegan 2-ingredient "Cacio e Pepe" delivers creamy, peppery goodness with just a few pantry staples. Inspired by the classic Italian pasta, this version uses vegan parmesan and black pepper for a plant-based twist on a favorite comfort food.
What is Cacio e Pepe?
“Cacio e Pepe” translates to “cheese and pepper” in Italian and is a minimalist pasta dish known for its simplicity and big flavor. Traditionally, it’s made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper, creating a creamy, peppery sauce without additional oils or creams. Here, vegan parmesan takes the spotlight, making it a satisfying, dairy-free meal.
Why You'll Love This!
This vegan Cacio e Pepe is a dream for quick, satisfying meals that don’t skimp on flavor. With just two ingredients and a few minutes in the kitchen, you can create a creamy, peppery pasta that’s perfect for weeknights or a quick lunch. It's also:
- Budget-Friendly – Made from simple pantry staples, this recipe is both affordable and delicious.
- Easy to Make – Minimal prep and just one pot to clean up.
- Customizable – Perfect base for adding your favorite toppings, veggies, or spices.
- Comforting – A classic Italian flavor profile with a dairy-free twist that’s both rich and satisfying.
This 2-ingredient pasta delivers restaurant-quality taste in a home-cooked, vegan-friendly dish that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
- Vegan Parmesan Cheese – About 1 cup, finely grated to achieve a creamy, cheesy coating on the noodles.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper – 1 to 2 teaspoons, or to taste. Adds warmth and bold flavor to the dish.
- Spaghetti Noodles – 8 oz, cooked al dente for a perfect texture that holds the cheese and pepper.
Steps
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Create the Sauce: In the same pot, add the vegan parmesan and a good sprinkle of black pepper. Pour in a small amount of pasta water and stir to create a creamy sauce, adding more water as needed.
- Combine and Serve: Add the spaghetti back to the pot and toss until the noodles are evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with additional pepper or vegan parmesan, if desired. Serve hot with extra pepper on top.
Variations
- Add Olive Oil: For a richer flavor, drizzle olive oil over the pasta after mixing.
- Extra Heat: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist on the classic.
- Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest brings brightness and complements the peppery flavors.
Substitutions
- Vegan Parmesan: If you don’t have vegan parmesan, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Other Pasta Shapes: Fettuccine or bucatini work well if you don’t have spaghetti.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti for a gluten-free version of this dish.
FAQ
- Can I make this ahead of time? This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Why reserve pasta water? The starchy water helps create a creamy sauce that binds the parmesan and pepper to the noodles.
- Can I use store-bought vegan Parmesan? Absolutely! Store-bought vegan Parmesan works well, and it saves prep time. Just make sure it’s finely grated for smooth melting into the pasta.
- What’s the best pasta type for Cacio e Pepe? Spaghetti or bucatini are traditional choices, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Long pasta shapes tend to hold the sauce well, creating a more authentic experience.
- Can I use freshly cracked black pepper? Yes! Freshly cracked black pepper is ideal because it adds a vibrant, bold flavor to the dish. Coarsely ground pepper brings out the characteristic bite in Cacio e Pepe.
- What’s the best substitute for vegan Parmesan? If you don’t have vegan Parmesan, try nutritional yeast. It provides a cheesy flavor and can be mixed with a pinch of salt for extra depth.
- How can I make the sauce creamier? To make the sauce even creamier, add a splash of pasta water. The starch in the water helps the vegan Parmesan adhere to the pasta, creating a luscious, creamy texture.
- Can I make this oil-free? Yes! Simply omit any additional oil, and use pasta water to help the cheese and pepper stick to the pasta. This will still give a creamy consistency without added oil.
- Can I prepare this ahead of time? Cacio e Pepe is best served fresh to enjoy its creamy, peppery goodness. However, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and quickly cook it when you’re ready to eat.
- How can I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat with a splash of water to bring back the creamy consistency.
- Can I add extra flavors? Yes, this dish is a great blank canvas! Try adding lemon zest, roasted garlic, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to add more depth to the flavor.
- What can I serve with vegan Cacio e Pepe? Pair it with a side salad, roasted veggies, or a slice of crusty bread. For a more protein-packed meal, add chickpeas, vegan sausage, or tofu cubes.
Top Tip
Use freshly ground black pepper and plenty of it! It brings out the authentic peppery taste that makes this dish special.
Hint
Make sure to toss the pasta quickly with the vegan parmesan and pasta water while it’s hot to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency. Enjoy this easy, satisfying meal!
2 ingredient pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz Spaghetti noodles
- 1 cup Vegan Parmesan cheese finely grated
- 1-2 teaspoon Freshly cracked black pepper adjust to taste
- 1 cup Reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Create the Sauce: In the same pot, add the vegan parmesan and a good sprinkle of black pepper. Pour in a small amount of pasta water and stir to create a creamy sauce, adding more water as needed.
- Combine and Serve: Add the spaghetti back to the pot and toss until the noodles are evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with additional pepper or vegan parmesan, if desired. Serve hot with extra pepper on top.
