Cacio e pepe

After looking at a photo of this dish, you might be wondering why this wasn’t just called pasta primavera, especially since we’re on the cusp of spring. But then, I figured, why wouldn’t adding veggies to a traditional cacio e pepe be allowed?

My original intent was just to do noodles with vegan butter and freshly cracked black pepper. As I was putting away the groceries, though, I couldn’t help but be inspired by that perfect looking dinosaur kale, so I had to throw that in. When I added the pasta to the pan, the pretty green color all but disappeared, so then I had to add a big handful of spinach. And you know what, what the heck — might as well add mushrooms and the rest of the bag of frozen peas I had opened yesterday to make baby food purees. (My dish, my way, amirite?)

So, here we go, my cacio e pepe with veggies. Because, why not?

Ingredients:

• noodles of choice

• unsalted vegan butter

• vegan cheese

• fresh garlic

• black pepper

• salt

• water

• optional: EVOO, veggies of choice (pictured above: chopped kale, mushrooms, spinach, green peas)

Instructions:

1. Bring water to boil, season with salt, and add pasta of choice. (I used these noodles, which have a suggested cook time of 13 minutes.) Drain and set aside, reserving 3/4 cup pasta cooking water.

2. (if adding veggies) Using the same pan, add EVOO and chopped kale. Turn heat to medium-high and add the lid. Cook for a few minutes until the leaves change color. Remove lid and add the cooked pasta, stirring to combine.

3. Add a pinch or more of salt (to taste), chopped mushrooms, and green peas (frozen is fine) to the mix and gently combine. Then, add the reserved pasta cooking water and secure the lid. Turn the heat down to medium.

4. After 2-3 minutes, open the lid and stir the ingredients again. This time, add 2 tbsp of vegan butter (I love Miyoko’s), fresh garlic (powdered is fine), and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste). Sprinkle shredded vegan mozzarella (e.g. Violife) over the top and do not mix. Close the lid one last time and cook for 2 more minutes.

5. Transfer pasta to warm bowls and enjoy!