Roasted Broccoli & Cauliflower Cacio e Pepe

Name: Roasted Broccoli & Cauliflower Cacio e Pepe
Prep time: 40 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American

Cacio e Pepe is quite the trendy dish these days…and you know why? It’s objectively tasty in any form, and here’s yet another example. Swapping out traditional pasta noodles with roasted Taylor Farms Broccoli and Cauliflower Florets provides an already rich dish with a greater depth of flavor to go along with a highly satisfying texture. After all, ‘Cacio e Pepe’ translates to cheese and pepper, so this veggie-forward version featuring roasted broccoli and cauliflower still fits the description. Plus, since you’re using veggies in place of pasta, the carb count is at a bare minimum. Do you really need any more reasons to try this recipe?

Total TIME

40 minutes

Ingredients

1 package Taylor Farms Broccoli and Cauliflower Florets
2 Tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cacio e Pepe Sauce:

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

Directions

Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Place the pre-cut cauliflower and broccoli florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the olive oil over the cauliflower and broccoli florets. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the vegetables until they are evenly coated with the olive oil and seasoning. Spread the florets out in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and golden brown around the edges.
While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the Cacio e Pepe sauce. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the freshly ground black pepper to the melted butter and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt to taste.
Once the cauliflower and broccoli florets are roasted, remove them from the oven. Spread a generous layer of the Cacio e Pepe sauce onto a serving platter or individual plates. Arrange the roasted cauliflower and broccoli florets on top of the sauce. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the vegetables.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

What Else Can You Serve with Cacio e Pepe?

This all-veggie version of Cacio e Pepe is definitely great on its own, but there’s nothing wrong with inviting a few more dishes to the dinner party to make it a fuller meal. Here are some easy ideas to consider:

Grilled or Roasted Protein: Serve grilled or roasted chicken, shrimp, or salmon as a protein-rich main dish. The smoky char or caramelized flavors from grilling or roasting will complement the creamy and peppery flavors of the Cacio e Pepe!
Garlic Bread or Focaccia: Garlic bread or homemade focaccia on the side for dipping is always a good idea — especially with the cheesy sauce. If you’re fresh out of baguettes, you can turn practically any slice of bread into garlic bread by loading it up with butter, garlic powder or paste, and salt before broiling in your oven for just a minute or so.
Caprese Salad: A refreshing Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze or olive oil is an ideal pairing with the rich and indulgent tastes of Cacio e Pepe.
Green Salad with Citrus Dressing: Nothing wrong with a few more veggies, right? A light salad with your favorite leafy greens and a simple citrus vinaigrette provides the perfect hit of acidity to contrast with the rich creaminess of the Cacio e Pepe.