Cheese and pepper, Cacio e Pepe, take veggies, pasta, and even snacks to amazing taste levels. For a no-fuss pasta, Food&Wine Cacio e Pepe is delicious. For veggies, Cacio e Pepe Asparagus and Cacio e Pepe Broccoli can please even fussy eaters! Traditionally, pecorino Romano is the cheese of choice. However, if it’s too strong or salty for your taste, use Parmesan.
When it comes to readymade Cacio e Pepe grocery items, Trader Joe’s is a clear winner. If you open a bag of their Cacio e Pepe puffs, it’s hard not to eat the whole thing. For me, the frozen Cacio e Pepe Gnocchi is the star. Most readymade, shelf stable gnocchi are made with dehydrated potatoes. Trader Joe’s has two different frozen gnocchis with real potato. If you love dumplings, you’ll love (authentic) gnocchi. It is small soft dumpling-like potato pasta. Finally, Trader Joe’s Cacio e Pepe jarred sauce is a genius way to help create a one dish meal. For, a perfect meal, I combine the cooked gnocchi, sauce, diced chicken, and favorite veggie (cooked asparagus, broccoli, spinach, or peas). And if you put all that in a baking dish, crush Cacio e Pepe puffs on top, and broil until golden – amazing!
