Heart-Healthy Cacio e Pepe

Elevate your pasta night with this Heart-Healthy Cacio e Pepe, a wholesome twist on the classic Italian dish. Made with fiber-rich whole wheat spaghetti, heart-friendly olive oil, and a light, flavorful sauce crafted from low-sodium vegetable broth, this recipe is as nutritious as it is indulgent. Freshly cracked black pepper and grated Pecorino Romano create a velvety, peppery sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles, while a touch of lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy flair. Garnished with fragrant parsley, this 30-minute meal perfectly balances rich, cheesy comfort with a lighter, health-conscious approach. It's a guilt-free taste of Italy that's perfect for weeknight dinners or when you're craving comfort food with a nutritious edge.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 oz Whole wheat spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
• 1 cup Low sodium vegetable broth
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the freshly cracked black pepper to the skillet and stir for another minute to release its aroma.

Step 4

Pour in the low sodium vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer.

Step 5

Once the pasta is done, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the broth.

Step 6

Toss the spaghetti in the broth, gradually adding the grated Pecorino Romano cheese while stirring. Add reserved pasta water as needed to help melt the cheese and form a creamy sauce.

Step 7

Stir in the lemon zest for added freshness and continue to toss until the sauce thickens and clings to the pasta.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then remove from heat.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy your heart-healthy Cacio e Pepe!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	767.2 grams (767.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1533

Total Fat 101.00g	129%
Saturated Fat 52.30g	262%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 238mg	79%
Sodium 5386mg	234%
Total Carbohydrate 70.10g	25%
Dietary Fiber 12.70g	45%
Total Sugars 3.50g
Protein 86.00g	172%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2507mg	193%
Iron 6mg	31%
Potassium 1058mg	23%

*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: 59.3%

Protein: 22.4%

Carbs: 18.3%