Gnocchi Cacio e Pepe Recipe (Parmesan Pepper Pasta) (2024)

This gnocchi cacio e pepe recipe features soft pillowy gnocchi tossed in a bright and flavorful parmesan cheese sauce with pepper. A 20-minute dinner that is easy enough for a weeknight meal, but fancy enough to enjoy on a special occasion.

The creamy sauce is made by sautéing butter, parmesan cheese, black pepper, and adding in some of the gnocchi cooking water to thicken the sauce without using cream. You can add in your favorite herbs to finish this dish – and top it off with extra parmesan cheese for a kick.

This delicious gnocchi cacio e pepe is a fantastic and easy dinner, ready in about 15 minutes. It’s loaded with flavor and turned out so good – definitely a new favorite way to enjoy gnocchi. Cacio e pepe translates to cheese and pepper – which is a simple sauce to toss with light and fluffy gnocchi.

Gnocchi are one of my favorite pastas, I love every soft bite. The word gnocchi comes from the Italian word for “little knots” which are perfect descriptions of these little dumplings. I used a store-bought potato gnocchi, which you can find in any major grocery store, or you can make them from scratch.

This Gnocchi Cacio e Pepe Recipe Is:

• Bright
• Fresh
• Soft & Pillowy
• Comforting
• Satisfying
• Vegetarian

Easy Gnocchi Recipes

This creamy cacio e pepe gnocchi is what I call an Easy Weeknight Meal – which is on your table in about 30 minutes. These quick and simple recipes are perfect for those nights when you want a quick homecooked meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I have a whole section of The Herbeevore dedicated to Easy Weeknight Meals, that are great for the whole family. From soups and stews, to pastas and proteins – a tasty meal can be on your table in no time. Even faster than ordering takeout!

What’s In This Creamy Gnocchi with Cheese and Pepper Recipe?

I get fresh produce from my garden and from Misfits Market– they sell fantastic fruit, vegetables, & pantry staples at a discounted price. We get Misfit boxes every other week and love picking out favorite produce for delivery. Get $10 off your first box here!

• Gnocchi– I love thisclassic potato gnocchi with is super light, super tender, and so good in this sauce. Make sure to save the cooking water too which will thicken the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese – gives extra flavor and richness to this dish. Whether you use a sharp real cheese parmesan, or a vegan version, adding a little extra into the sauce (and for garnish) this sauce will highlight your Parmesan so make sure you use a good one.
• Butter – I like to use unsalted butter to reduce the amount of sodium in my cooking.
• Tellicherry Peppercorns: It’s amazing the flavor difference you can get with really good tellicherry black pepper. Amazon has a generic brand tellicherry peppercorn which is the same price is buying pre-ground, and will add way more flavor to your recipes.

How Do I Make Cacio e Pepe Gnocchi Recipe?

1. Cook gnocchi according to package instructions. Once finished cooking, remove from heat and leave in the cooking water for a few minutes (save the water, as it will be used to thicken the sauce).
2. In a pan, add the butter over low heat until melted. Using a slotted spoon, drain the gnocchi and add into the pan with the butter. Toss well to combine.
3. Pour 2/3 cup of the gnocchi cooking water into the pan. Add the parmesan cheese. Stir well, the sauce will thicken as it cooks. If sauce is too thick, add an additional 2 tablespoons of the pasta cooking water at a time to thin out the sauce.
4. Once sauce has reached the desired thickness, add in the black pepper. Serve the gnocchi hot, topping with an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Make This Gnocchi Recipe Vegetarian for a Plant-Based Version

This vegetarian cacio e pepe gnocchi is a simple meal without meat. I’m all about making recipes plant-based when I can. Vegetarian cooking does NOT have to be bland, boring, or flavorless… It’s quite the opposite when done right. By building meals around vegetarian pantry staples and swapping in a few plant-based ingredients you can make better meals for you and your family.

I made a list of my 125 favorite vegan pantry ingredients that we use on a weekly basis, and check out all my vegetarian recipes here that are on The Herbeevore. These easy and tasty recipes are fantastic meatless meals for your table.

More Creamy 30 Minute Pasta Recipes You’ll Love!

White Wine Mushroom Sauce Pasta Recipe

Creamy Red Pepper Pasta Recipe

Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

Instant Pot Noodles with Peanut Sauce

Creamy Vegan Lemon Pasta Recipe (Dairy Free, Plant-Based)

As always, if you make this vegetarian creamy gnocchi cacio e pepe recipe be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe, and tag me @theherbeevore on Instagram so I can feature you. I love seeing all your photos of my recipes!

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About the Author: Kelly Jensen