Roasted Broccoli & Cauliflower Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e Pepe is quite the trendy dish these days… and for good reason. It’s objectively tasty in any form — and this version is no exception. Swapping out traditional pasta noodles with roasted Taylor Farms Broccoli and Cauliflower Florets gives this rich dish a deeper, more complex flavour and a super satisfying texture. After all, Cacio e Pepe means “cheese and pepper,” so this veggie-forward twist with roasted broccoli and cauliflower still checks all the boxes. Plus, since you’re using vegetables instead of pasta, the carb count stays nice and low. Do you really need any more reasons to give it a go?

  • Total TIME:
  • 40 minutes

Ingredients

Cacio e Pepe Sauce:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
  2. Place the pre-cut cauliflower and broccoli florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss until evenly coated and spread into a single layer.
  3. Roast for 20–25 minutes, or until tender and golden around the edges.
  4. Meanwhile, prepare the Cacio e Pepe sauce. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground black pepper and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt to taste.
  5. Remove the roasted veggies from the oven. Spread a generous layer of sauce on a serving platter or individual plates. Top with the roasted cauliflower and broccoli.
  6. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and serve immediately. Enjoy!

What Else Can You Serve with Cacio e Pepe?

This all-veggie version is plenty satisfying, but you can always round it out with a few sidekicks:

Grilled or Roasted Protein: Chicken, shrimp, or salmon pair beautifully thanks to their smoky, caramelized edges that play well with the cheesy pepper sauce.

Garlic Bread or Focaccia: Perfect for dipping into that extra sauce. Don’t have baguette? Butter any bread, add garlic powder or paste and a bit of salt, and broil it for 1–2 minutes.

Caprese Salad: Tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze bring freshness to the table.

Green Salad with Citrus Dressing: Leafy greens + citrus vinaigrette = the ideal light, zesty contrast to creamy Cacio e Pepe.

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