Creamy Cacio e Pepe Pasta with Spinach and White Beans
Indulge in this delightful fusion of traditional Italian flavors with our Creamy Cacio e Pepe Pasta enhanced with iron-rich spinach and protein-packed white beans. This dish brings together the simplicity of spaghetti tossed in a buttery, peppery sauce with the added nutrition from beans and greens, making it a wholesome meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this recipe is a beautiful blend of comfort and nutrition that everyone will love. For those who appreciate gourmet flavors with a heart-healthy twist, this dish pairs well with a crisp white wine.
4
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti
1 lb (Cooked al dente)
butter
3 tablespoons (Cut into small pieces)
extra virgin olive oil
5 tablespoons (Divided)
coarse black pepper
2 teaspoons (Freshly ground)
Pecorino Romano cheese
1 cup (Grated)
frozen chopped spinach
10 ounces (Defrosted)
garlic cloves
3-4 (Chopped)
cannellini beans
14 ounces (Rinsed and drained)
freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (Grated)
Instructions
1
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Add 1 lb spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.
2
2. As the pasta cooks, set a large skillet over low heat. Add 3 tablespoons of butter, 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and 2 teaspoons of coarse black pepper. Let the mixture warm gently while the pasta cooks, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
3
3. Just before draining the pasta, reserve a ladle (about 1 cup) of the starchy cooking water. Drain the pasta and toss it in the skillet with the butter-pepper sauce off the heat, using tongs to coat the noodles thoroughly.
4
4. Gradually stir in 1 cup of grated Pecorino Romano cheese in small handfuls, tossing continuously to create a creamy sauce. If the mixture feels too thick, add a ladle of reserved cooking water until you reach the desired consistency.
5
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and an additional drizzle of 2 tablespoons of olive oil for richness.
6
6. While the pasta cooks, prepare the spinach and beans. Microwave 10 oz of frozen chopped spinach on high for 6 minutes until thawed. Let it cool slightly, then transfer it to a clean kitchen towel and wring out excess water.
7
7. In a small skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3-4 chopped garlic cloves and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
8
8. Add 1 (14 oz) can of rinsed and drained cannellini beans to the skillet, mixing well with the garlic. Incorporate the wrung-out spinach into the bean mixture, breaking it up as you add it.
9
9. Season the spinach and bean mixture with 1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg, along with additional salt and pepper to taste.
10
10. Serve the creamy pasta alongside the spinach and white beans, garnished with extra cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
11.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is a Creamy Cacio e Pepe Pasta with Spinach and White Beans.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of spaghetti cooked al dente.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach, but you should sauté it until wilted and wring out excess moisture as you would with thawed frozen spinach.
What kind of cheese is used for the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 cup of grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this dish is classified as vegetarian.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 11.25g of protein.
What are cannellini beans?
Cannellini beans are a type of white bean commonly used in Italian cuisine, known for their creamy texture.
Can I substitute the cannellini beans with something else?
Yes, Great Northern beans or Navy beans are excellent substitutes for cannellini beans.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming lumpy?
Stir the Pecorino Romano in small handfuls off the heat and toss continuously with reserved pasta water to create a smooth emulsion.
Why is reserved pasta water important?
The starchy pasta water helps bind the cheese and butter into a creamy sauce rather than a clumpy mess.
What does the nutmeg add to the dish?
Nutmeg provides a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that complements the spinach and beans.
How long should I cook the spaghetti?
Cook the spaghetti for 8-10 minutes or until it reaches the al dente stage.
Can I use Parmesan instead of Pecorino Romano?
Yes, you can use Parmesan, though Pecorino Romano is more traditional and provides a saltier, sharper kick.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 3 to 4 chopped garlic cloves.
How should the frozen spinach be prepared?
Microwave it for 6 minutes until thawed, then wring out all excess water using a kitchen towel.
What is the total fat content?
The dish contains 12g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 37.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I add protein like chicken to this?
Absolutely, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp would pair beautifully with these flavors.
What wine is recommended to pair with this pasta?
A crisp white wine is recommended to complement the gourmet flavors of this dish.
Should I use pre-grated cheese?
It is better to grate your own cheese from a wedge, as pre-grated cheese often contains anti-clumping agents that prevent smooth melting.
What does 'al dente' mean?
Al dente refers to pasta that is cooked to be firm to the bite.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free pasta alternative.
What if I do not have coarse black pepper?
You can use standard ground black pepper, but start with a smaller amount as it can be more intense than coarse grinds.
How much butter is required?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of butter.
Is this suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is designed to be a simple, wholesome meal perfect for busy evenings.
Can I use dry beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you must soak and boil them until tender before adding them to the skillet with the spinach.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 9 primary ingredients used in this recipe.