Description
This Cacio E Pepe White Beans Skillet Recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal that combines the classic Roman flavors of cacio e pepe with creamy white beans. The dish offers a perfect balance of peppery bite and cheesy richness, creating a comforting, protein-packed skillet that’s ready in under 30 minutes and uses simple pantry staples.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (Cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 to 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water (adjust as needed)
- Salt, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (for a spicy twist)
- Baby spinach or kale (for greens boost)
- Cooked Italian sausage or pancetta (for protein upgrade)
- Fresh rosemary or sage (for herbal notes)
- Nutritional yeast (for vegan substitution)
Instructions
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the White Beans: Drain and rinse the white beans, then add them to the skillet. Stir to coat them evenly with the garlic-infused oil, letting them warm through for a few minutes.
- Create the Sauce Base: Add vegetable broth or water to the skillet to loosen the mixture. Stir gently while gradually sprinkling in the Pecorino Romano cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Season with Pepper and Salt: Generously crack fresh black pepper over the skillet and stir it in. Taste and adjust salt if needed, ensuring the sauce is perfectly balanced with a peppery bite.
- Serve Immediately: Once your creamy cacio e pepe white beans skillet looks silky and cohesive, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese for best melting and flavor.
- Don’t skip freshly cracked black pepper as it’s essential for the dish’s signature taste.
- Sauté garlic on medium-low to avoid bitterness and burning.
- Add vegetable broth or water gradually to control sauce consistency and maintain creaminess.
- Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the overall flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Cacio e Pepe, White Beans, Skillet Recipe, Easy Weeknight Dinner, Italian, Comfort Food, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Protein-Packed
