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Sometimes the simplest of recipes is the best! And today’s recipe for Cacio e Pepe Spaghetti Squash couldn’t be any more simple – or more delicious!
Cacio e Pepe (which means “cheese and pepper” in Italian) is a simple, classic Roman pasta dish typically made with spaghetti, Pecorino Romano cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
We changed this recipe up by swapping in spaghetti squash for the more traditional pasta – and the results were simply fantastic! Cheesy, creamy, buttery and a little spicy – this is an incredibly delicious way to enjoy spaghetti squash!
Another great thing about this Cacio e Pepe Spaghetti Squash is that you can do most of the prep in advance. The most time-consuming part of this recipe is roasting the spaghetti squash – but you can bake that ahead of time and keep in the refrigerator. Then when you’re ready to eat, it takes just minutes to do the few final steps in the recipe and you’ve got a delicious side dish for your family’s meal!
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Cacio e Pepe Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash (around 3–4 pounds)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of Kosher salt, plus more to taste if desired
- Additional Pecorino Romano and freshly ground black pepper, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and place cut sides down on parchment lined sheet pan.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until squash is just tender (be sure you don’t over cook – you want the strands of the spaghetti squash to still be somewhat firm).
- Remove the squash from the oven and allow to cool. Once the squash is cool enough to handle, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Discard the seeds.
- Using a fork, scrape the remaining squash forming long strands. Place onto a paper towel for about 5 minutes to remove any excess moisture.
- When ready to serve, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add squash to the skillet and sprinkle the Romano cheese, pepper and salt over the squash strands. Gently toss to combine, heating through to warm the squash and melt the cheese.
- Remove from heat and pour the squash into a serving platter or bowl. Sprinkle with additional Romano cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
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We use to cook Spaghetti Squash quite a bit and we’ve kind of slacked off. Love this recipe for it with the cheese and pepper!
Simple and flavorful. What a wonderful way to serve spaghetti squash.
Oh my gosh, this is stunning. I need to try this asap. I don’t use spaghetti squash enough. I can’t wait to try this beautiful dish.
Spaghetti Squash is so versatile and I think that is why I love it so much. Cheese and Pepper. Simple yet flavorful! Great recipe!
I agree about the simplest recipes sometimes being the best. It definitely looks true in this case. Spaghetti squash is an addiction of mine all in itself (I love the texture), so I know this is a dish I’ll be making!
I love spaghetti squash and I add it to meals whenever I can. I put mine in the micro though… So I don’t have to heat up the kitchen unnecessarily.
Great idea Nikki!
This looks so delicious! I was going to get a spaghetti squash yesterday, but they were so tiny, but I’m saving this recipe for later!
Spaghetti squash is one of those things I’ve been wanting to try for a while now. I love that you can do so much of the work ahead of time!
Spaghetti cacio e pepe is one of my top 3 pasta dishes! How fun that you used spaghetti squash and I can’t wait to try this. I can’t get enough of spaghetti squash (or spaghetti;)