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Gnocchi Cacio e Pepe Recipe (Parmesan Pepper Pasta)

This gnocchi cacio e pepe recipe features soft pillowy gnocchi tossed in a bright and flavorful parmesan cheese sauce with pepper. A 20-minute dinner that is easy enough for a weeknight meal, but fancy enough to enjoy on a special occasion.

The creamy sauce is made by sautéing butter, parmesan cheese, black pepper, and adding in some of the gnocchi cooking water to thicken the sauce without using cream. You can add in your favorite herbs to finish this dish – and top it off with extra parmesan cheese for a kick.

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This delicious gnocchi cacio e pepe is a fantastic and easy dinner, ready in about 15 minutes. It’s loaded with flavor and turned out so good – definitely a new favorite way to enjoy gnocchi.  Cacio e pepe translates to cheese and pepper – which is a simple sauce to toss with light and fluffy gnocchi.

Gnocchi are one of my favorite pastas, I love every soft bite. The word gnocchi comes from the Italian word for “little knots” which are perfect descriptions of these little dumplings. I used a store-bought potato gnocchi, which you can find in any major grocery store, or you can make them from scratch.

This Gnocchi Cacio e Pepe Recipe Is:

  • Bright
  • Fresh
  • Soft & Pillowy
  • Comforting
  • Satisfying
  • Vegetarian

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Easy Gnocchi Recipes

This creamy cacio e pepe gnocchi is what I call an Easy Weeknight Meal – which is on your table in about 30 minutes.  These quick and simple recipes are perfect for those nights when you want a healthy homecooked meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I have a whole section of The Herbeevore dedicated to Easy Weeknight Meals, that are great for the whole family. From soups and stews, to pastas and proteins – a healthy meal can be on your table in no time.  Even faster than ordering takeout!

What’s In This Creamy Gnocchi with Cheese and Pepper Recipe?

I stock up on organic produce with Misfits Market  – they have a fantastic selection of in-season fruits & veggies, healthy pantry items, and great food finds for a fraction of grocery store prices! You can get $10 off your first $30 box by clicking here!

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How Do I Make Cacio e Pepe Gnocchi Recipe?

  1. Cook gnocchi according to package instructions. Once finished cooking, remove from heat and leave in the cooking water for a few minutes (save the water, as it will be used to thicken the sauce).
  2. In a pan, add the butter over low heat until melted. Using a slotted spoon, drain the gnocchi and add into the pan with the butter. Toss well to combine.
  3. Pour 2/3 cup of the gnocchi cooking water into the pan. Add the parmesan cheese. Stir well, the sauce will thicken as it cooks.  If sauce is too thick, add an additional 2 tablespoons of the pasta cooking water at a time to thin out the sauce. 
  4. Once sauce has reached the desired thickness, add in the black pepper.  Serve the gnocchi hot, topping with an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

 

Make This Gnocchi Recipe Vegetarian for a Healthy Version

This vegetarian cacio e pepe gnocchi is a simple meal without meat. I’m all about making recipes plant-based when I can. Vegetarian cooking does NOT have to be bland, boring, or flavorless… It’s quite the opposite when done right. By building meals around vegetarian pantry staples and swapping in a few plant-based ingredients you can make healthier meals for you and your family.

I made a list of my 125 favorite vegan pantry ingredients that we use on a weekly basis, and check out all my vegetarian recipes here that are on The Herbeevore. These easy and healthy recipes are fantastic meatless meals for your table.

More Creamy 30 Minute Pasta Recipes You’ll Love!

White Wine Mushroom Sauce Pasta Recipe

Creamy Red Pepper Pasta Recipe

Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

Instant Pot Noodles with Peanut Sauce

Creamy Vegan Lemon Pasta Recipe (Dairy Free, Plant-Based)

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Get the Same Ingredients for this Creamy Parmesan Gnocchi Recipe

 

As always, if you make this vegetarian creamy gnocchi cacio e pepe recipe be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe, and tag me @theherbeevore on Instagram so I can feature you.  I love seeing all your photos of my recipes!

Let’s keep in touch – make sure to sign up for my newsletter to get free recipe inspiration. And don’t forget to follow over on Pinterest, Instagram , & my YouTube channel – I’d love to connect with you there! 

 

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Gnocchi Cacio e Pepe

The Herbeevore
This gnocchi cacio e pepe recipe features soft pillowy gnocchi tossed in a bright and flavorful parmesan cheese sauce with pepper. A 20-minute dinner that is easy enough for a weeknight meal, but fancy enough to enjoy on a special occasion. The creamy sauce is made by sautéing butter, parmesan cheese, black pepper, and adding in some of the gnocchi cooking water to thicken the sauce without using cream
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Pasta
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 2 servings
Calories 406 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Saucepan

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Cook gnocchi according to package instructions. Once finished cooking, remove from heat and leave in the cooking water for a few minutes (save the water, as it will be used to thicken the sauce).
  • In a pan, add the butter over low heat until melted. Using a slotted spoon, drain the gnocchi and add into the pan with the butter. Toss well to combine.
  • Pour 2/3 cup of the gnocchi cooking water into the pan. Add the parmesan cheese. Stir well, the sauce will thicken as it cooks.  If sauce is too thick, add an additional 2 tablespoons of the pasta cooking water at a time to thin out the sauce.
  • Once sauce has reached the desired thickness, add in the black pepper.  Serve the gnocchi hot, topping with an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Video

Notes

Save Money on Fresh Groceries & Pantry Staples!

I get all the fresh produce for my recipes from my garden and from Misfits Market - they sell produce & pantry staples (even wine!) at a super discounted price. We get Misfit Market boxes every month and love picking out our favorite seasonal produce for delivery. You can get $10 off your first $30 box by clicking here! 
Give Misfits Market a look if you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend it!

Nutrition

Calories: 406kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 1275mgPotassium: 126mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 463IUCalcium: 486mgIron: 4mg
Keyword cacio and pepe gnocchi pasta, cacio e pepe gnocchi, cheese and pepper gnocchi, gnocchi cacio and pepe, gnocchi cacio e pepe, gnocchi with cheese and pepper
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Posted in 30 Minute Dinners, Dinners, Favorites, Italian, Pantry Recipes, Pastas, The Herbeevore Recipes, Vegetarian Recipes, Winter Recipes

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