Skip to main content

Cacio e Pepe (Cheese and Pepper) Spaghetti Squash

While the squash cooks, work on the chops (recipe follows).

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

1 4-pound spaghetti squash
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
1 cup grated Romano cheese
Salt and lots of coarse ground black pepper

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    To microwave squash: Cut in half and seed. Place 1/4 inch water in a microwave-safe dish. Place the squash in the dish, the cut sides down—the sides will overlap. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on High for 13 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid in a bowl. Shred the squash and add the “spaghetti” to the bowl with the reserved liquid.

    Step 2

    To boil squash: Cut in half and seed. Boil the squash until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Place 1/4 cup, a ladleful, of cooking water into a bowl, then drain and shred the squash. Transfer to the bowl with the reserved liquid.

    Step 3

    Toss the squash with the reserved liquid and dress with EVOO, lots of cheese, salt to taste, and lots of black pepper and serve.

Rachael Ray's 30-Minute Get Real Meals
Read More
Grab your Easter basket and hop in—you’ll want to collect each and every one of these fun and easy Easter recipes.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.