One of my favorite meals as a kid was Cacio e Pepe! Today I’m upping the ante with Cacio e Pepe with Brussels Sprouts. Because really, it’s the right thing to do!
Cacio e Pepe is quite simply pasta with pepper and a whole boat load of cheese. Can you complain? I think not. Except if you’re my husband than eating “just” pasta for dinner doesn’t really count as a meal. But if I throw in a veggie here and there then it’s 100% considered dinner. Don’t ask me where the logic comes from… all I know was that I was pumped to add some deeply sautéed Brussels sprouts to the traditional pasta dish call it dinner.
Cacio e Pepe with Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- Kosher salt
- 6 oz. wheat pasta spaghetti
- 5 ounces shredded Brussels Sprouts
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
- 1/4 cup finely grated Pecorino
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to boil. Season with salt and add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Reserve 3/4 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the rest. Place the pasta aside for a moment.
- In a large skillet, add the butter and melt over medium heat. Add the shredded Brussels sprouts and sauté until golden, about 5 minutes. Add the cracked black pepper and stir to combine.
- Add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to skillet and bring to a simmer. Add the cooked pasta and reduce heat to low. Add the grated Parmesan and tossing with tongs until melted. Remove pan from heat and add the grated Pecorino, stirring and tossing until melted. If the pasta still looks a bit dry, add the remaining reserved water and toss to combine. Transfer pasta to a serving dish and serve immediately.
is it ok to eat this for breakfast? I am starving and this looks like perfection! Can’t wait to try it.
What a perfect pasta dish!
It’s totally a meal with the added brussel sprouts.
This looks like being another favourite in our house in the near future!
Great pasta dish! I want it for lunch!
This looks so good Gaby, this would be a favorite dinner for my family!
I think I’ve mentioned this before, but Cacio e Pepe is one of my all time favorite pasta recipes. I order it whenever I see it on a menu. The addition of brussel sprouts is fab! Pinned!!
This looks like a sure winner! I have everything for this to be dinner tonight! Beautiful photo!
Seriously digging the brussels addition, girl!!
Can I make this with spaghetti squash instead or pasta? What if I use broccoli instead of brussels sprouts. Instead of butter can I use Chicken broth? Also what about instead of pasta can I just skirt steak? Oh also can I substitute brownies for the parmesean cheese? I’m not eating dairy. Just kidding. Love you. this is perfect as is.
BAHAHAHAHAHAHA. omg. I love you.
What a great way to enjoy some brussels sprouts!
Pasta perfection!
Made this last night! So delicious!!!
This was amazing! My boyfriend said it was my best pasta yet, and we make a LOT of pasta! Recipe was easy and so so delicious