Soulful Cacio e Pepe

Ingredients

In this soul food adaptation of Cacio e Pepe, we incorporate smoky bacon to add depth and richness to the dish. Additionally, we infuse the sauce with a blend of soulful spices, such as paprika and cayenne pepper, to enhance the flavor profile and give it a subtle kick. These modifications bring a unique twist to the traditional Italian recipe, making it a perfect fit for soul food enthusiasts. We alse have the original recipe for Cacio e pepe, so you can check it out.

• 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti
• 4 slices of bacon, diced 4 slices of bacon, diced
• 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup (100g) grated cheddar cheese 1 cup (100g) grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 11g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
3. 3.
   Add the butter to the skillet with the bacon fat and melt it over medium heat.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the paprika and cayenne pepper into the skillet and stir for 1 minute to release their flavors.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the grated cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until well coated with the cheese sauce.
7. 7.
   Season with freshly cracked black pepper and salt to taste.
8. 8.
   Serve the Soulful Cacio e Pepe in bowls, topped with the crispy bacon.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bacon — Make sure to dice the bacon into small pieces for even cooking and crispy texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as smoked Gouda or pepper jack, to add more depth to the dish.
• To make it extra indulgent, top the dish with a fried egg or crispy fried chicken.

Serving advice

Serve the Soulful Cacio e Pepe as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad or collard greens for a complete soul food experience.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. Serve it in individual bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and crispy bacon.