Cacio e Pepi with Cauliflower
This recipe is an adaptation of the classic Roman dish Cacio e Pepi, where long strands of pasta are tossed with a simple sauce of black pepper and Pecorino Romano. The sauce in this version is thicker and creamier with lots of puréed cauliflower, but it is just as captivating.
Serves: 4Hands-on: 20 minutesTotal: 20 minutesDifficulty: Easy
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 12 oz. bucatini pasta
- 3 cups cauliflower florets
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped
- 1 tsp. ground black pepper
- 3⁄4 cup shredded Pecorino Romano cheese, divided
Directions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the bucatini pasta and cook according the package directions. Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
- While the pasta is cooking, combine the cauliflower, butter, garlic, and 2 tablespoons water in a microwave safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and poke a small hole in the top. Microwave on high for 6 minutes until very tender.
- Transfer cauliflower to a blender or food processor along with pepper and 1⁄2 cup cheese. Blend until combined. With the blender running, add 1 cup of the pasta cooking water to the mixture. Continue to blend until mixture is smooth.
- Toss the pasta with the sauce and top with remaining cheese. Serve immediately.