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Cacio e Pepe Pasta Salad

Ingredients
  

  • 10 oz pasta like Rotini
  • Salt for the pasta water
  • cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Romano cheese divided plus more for sprinkling
  • 3 teaspoons coarse ground black pepper
  • ¾ cup Roma tomatoes chopped small
  • ¾ cup zucchini chopped small
  • 2 tsp butter
  • ¾ cup chopped marinated artichoke hearts
  • ½ cup cooked pancetta or cooked chopped bacon optional

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta to al Dente according to package directions.  Don’t forget to salt the pasta water.  Drain the pasta, but reserve ⅓ cup of pasta water.  Transfer pasta to a large bowl and set aside.  In a saucepan over medium heat add the pasta water and heavy cream and bring to a simmer.  Add ½ cup Romano cheese and pepper and whisk.  Simmer for 2-3 minutes to let the sauce thicken and remove from heat.
  • In a small skillet over medium heat, add the butter and chopped zucchini and saute until it softens.  Remove from heat and set aside.
  • To the pasta, add the tomatoes, zucchini, ½ cup Romano cheese, artichoke hearts and pancetta/bacon (if using).  Add the cheese and pepper sauce and mix well carefully.  Transfer to your favorite serving dish and sprinkle the top with a little more cheese.  Serve and eat while still warm or chill to serve cold later.  Enjoy!