Cacio e Pepe

The classic Cacio e Pepe turned into the perfect LOW-CARB side dish. This is the best recipe if you want the Italian simplicity of this dish, but lighter and healthier. Ready in 10 minutes, you’ll make it once a week!

Prep Time:5minutes mins
Cook Time:5minutes mins
Servings:4

Ingredients

  • ▢2 tsp olive oil
  • ▢2 tsp unsalted butter
  • ▢1 lb fresh sugar snap peas stem ends and string removed from each pod
  • ▢1/2 tsp coarse salt plus extra to serve
  • ▢3/4 tsp black cracked pepper
  • ▢1/4 cup fresh shredded parmesan cheese plus extra to serve

Instructions 

  • Heat oil and butter together in a large pan over medium-high heat.
  • When butter has melted, add the snap peas, tossing them around in the pan to coat in the oil/butter mixture.
  • Season with salt, pepper and cayenne (if using) and sauté for until the snap peas are crisp-tender, about 4-5 minutes
  • Add in the parmesan cheese; cook until just slightly melted and remove immediately from the heat.
  • Transfer to a serving bowl; season with extra parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper to serve.

Notes

The secret to perfecting this recipe:

  • Do not overcrowd the pan.
    The sugar snap peas should sit in a single layer so they sauté instead of steaming.
  • Watch the heat before adding the cheese.
    Lowering the heat helps the Parmesan soften and coat the peas instead of sticking to the pan.
  • Cook the peas just until crisp-tender.
    Overcooking will cause them to lose texture and release moisture.
  • Add salt gradually.
    Parmesan already adds salt, so taste before adding more.
  • Serve immediately.
    This dish is best while hot, right after the cheese has softened.

Nutrition

Calories: 113kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 415mg | Potassium: 245mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1355IU | Vitamin C: 68mg | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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