Description
This Cacio E Pepe Sweet Potato Noodles recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic Italian pasta dish by substituting traditional pasta with spiralized sweet potato noodles. Combining the rich flavors of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses with a peppery butter sauce, this dish is a quick and satisfying meal that balances creamy, savory, and mildly sweet elements with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potato Noodles
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 12 oz spiralized sweet potatoes (sweet potato noodles), cut about 12″ long
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt (or more to taste)
Sauce
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more for serving
- 1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese (about 1 oz.), plus more for serving
- 1/2 cup finely shredded Pecorino Romano cheese (about 1 oz.)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Arrange all prepped and measured ingredients within easy reach of the stove. This step ensures a smooth cooking process as the recipe cooks quickly and requires attention.
- Cook Sweet Potato Noodles: Heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the spiralized sweet potato noodles and kosher salt, then cook while tossing occasionally until they become slightly softened but remain a bit crunchy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Make The Pepper Butter Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter together with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the freshly ground black pepper and cook, swirling the pan continuously, until the pepper becomes fragrant, approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the partially cooked sweet potato noodles to the skillet with the pepper butter sauce. Sprinkle in the finely shredded Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses, then toss everything gently until combined and the cheese begins to melt. Taste and add more salt if needed.
- Serve: Divide the cheesy, peppery sweet potato noodles among serving bowls. Top each serving with additional Parmesan cheese and black pepper for extra flavor and garnish.
Notes
- Cut sweet potato noodles to about 12 inches long for easier tossing and eating.
- Be careful not to overcook the sweet potato noodles; they should remain slightly crunchy to retain texture.
- Freshly ground black pepper is essential for authentic Cacio e Pepe flavor—do not substitute with pre-ground pepper.
- Use a nonstick skillet to prevent noodles from sticking and tearing during cooking.
- Adjust salt according to taste, especially because cheeses add saltiness to the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Cacio e Pepe, Sweet Potato Noodles, Italian, Vegetarian, Quick Dinner, Low Carb Pasta Alternative, Parmesan, Pecorino Romano
