We modeled this sauce after one of our favorite Italian recipes, Cacio e Pepe (“cheese and pepper pasta” in Italian). We curled up with bowls of this comfort food on the couch on a rainy evening and it was pretty much perfection! For a twist, here we’ve used gnocchi instead: those doughy pasta balls that are a little like tiny dumplings. Let me tell you: this creamy Pecorino sauce is truly incredible with gnocchi! It’s amazing that three simple ingredients come together into this most flavorful, creamy sauce. Here are the secrets to the sauce:
Use Pecorino Romano cheese. You can’t get away with simple Parmesan here: Pecorino is essential for the flavor. You can find it at most grocery stores next to the Parmesan cheese. Save that pasta water. Using the water the pasta was cooked in lends a creamy body to the sauce. Along with butter, it’s essential for making the right consistency, so don’t forget to save it out! Use a good dose of black pepper. Using 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper might seem like a lot, but the sauce doesn’t come out too spicy: we promise! It brings in the final element of the flavoring.
Pan Fried Broccoli: This simple side dish comes together in a flash and brings in those needed nutrients and fiber. (Or, try these other ways to cook broccoli!) Sauteed Broccolini: Add elegance to your meal with a quick and simple vegetable. Green Beans Almondine: Green beans come together quickly. Broiled Asparagus: It takes no time at all to whip up lemony broiled asparagus, which adds fiber to the meal. Green Salad Recipes: Here’s a collection of our favorite green salads for pairing with main dishes. For this gnocchi sauce, some favorites would be this kale salad, chopped salad, or arugula salad.
4.7 from 7 reviews
These 5 Minute Tacos are the fastest dinner recipe we’ve ever created. It’s actually possible to make in 5 minutes (if you rush!) and so good. Try this Chickpea Curry! It’s so fast to make and full of flavor, made with garlic, ginger, cumin, and curry powder, and swirled with coconut milk. This Seared Ahi Tuna is another seriously delicious and super-fast weeknight meal. These Garlic Butter Noodles are so quick and simple.
