This vegan cacio e pepe style pasta is so satisfying and creamy, and you only need a few ingredients to make it! This rich and delicious pasta dish is made without any cheese or dairy for a satisfying plant-based pasta dish.

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What is Cacio e Pepe?

Cacio e pepe is a traditional Italian pasta dish that originated in Rome. The name “cacio e pepe” translates to “cheese and pepper” in English. The dish is made with spaghetti or bucatini pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and a little bit of pasta cooking water. This is not a traditional cacio e pepe recipe, since we’re not using any cheese, but I think this pasta has a similar rich, satisfying, and peppery flavor. If you’re looking for a more traditional recipe, try this one from America’s Test Kitchen or make this bucatini cacio e pepe with broccoli!

Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Pasta– This dish is traditionally made with spaghetti or bucatini pasta so I’d recommend using one of those! I like the Barilla Plus pasta, which has more protein and fiber than traditional pasta. Do not use gluten-free pasta for this recipe.
  • Olive oil– Be sure to use a high quality olive oil for the best flavor.
  • Miso paste– This adds a salty, umami flavor that helps replace the savory flavor that comes from cheese.
  • Nutritional yeast– This adds a cheesy flavor without any actual cheese.
  • Raw cashew butter– This helps create a creamy, smooth sauce. It’s important that you use smooth raw cashew butter. You do not want roasted cashew butter which has a stronger cashew flavor.
  • Pepper– Because pepper is an essential part of this dish, I highly recommend freshly ground black peppercorns.

How to Make Vegan Cacio e Pepe

Cook pasta according to the package directions. Reserve
1 ¼ cups pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
In a large skillet add the olive oil, nutritional yeast, cashew butter, miso paste, and 3/4 cup of pasta water. Whisk together until combined.
Add the pasta and toss until coated. If needed, add the additional ¼ cup of pasta water.
Sprnkle with black pepper and add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What’s the best pasta for cacio e pepe? This dish is traditionally made with spaghetti or bucatini pasta so I’d recommend using one of those!
  • Can I make this with gluten-free pasta? I don’t recommend it, as the starchy pasta water is what helps give the sauce a smooth, creamy texture. Gluten-free pasta doesn’t release starch into the pasta water, so it doesn’t work well for this dish.
  • What is miso paste? It is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans. It has a salty, umami-rich flavor that adds depth and complexity to this dish.
  • What is nutritional yeast? This special type of yeast is not the same yeast you use for baking. This yeast has a cheesy flavor that makes it a great vegan replacement for cheese!
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vegan Cacio e Pepe

Vegan Cacio e Pepe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 4 reviews
  • Author: Liz Thomson
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 cups 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian Inspired
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

This vegan cacio e pepe style pasta is so satisfying and creamy, and you only need a few ingredients to make it! This rich and delicious pasta dish is made without any cheese or dairy for a satisfying plant-based pasta dish.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 12oz whole wheat spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 2 tablespoons raw creamy cashew butter
  • 1 tablespoon miso paste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
  2. Reserve 1 ¼ cups pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
  3. In the empty pot, add the olive oil, nutritional yeast, cashew butter, miso paste, and 1 cup of pasta water. Whisk together until combined.
  4. Add the pasta and toss until coated. If needed, add the additional ¼ cup of pasta water.
  5. Top with black pepper and add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.