Lower Carb Shrimp Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e Pepe goes well with grilled chicken, salmon, even steak, so feel free to switch out your protein.

As a true carb lover, I get a real sense of thrill when I can have my pasta and eat it too. This entree is savory, peppery, and very satisfying. It’s also wonderful as a side dish. The mix of spaghetti squash and spaghetti noodles is perfect even for the most discerning pasta lovers.

Recipe Card

Recipe by This Lovely KitchenCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings

Cacio e Pepe goes well with grilled chicken, salmon, even steak, so feel free to switch out your protein.

Ingredients

  • Spaghetti squash 1/2 squash

  • Spaghetti noodles 8 oz.

  • Olive oil 1 tsp.

  • Butter 3 tbsp, divided

  • Shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 lb

  • Salt 1/4 tsp

  • Black pepper 1/8 tsp + 1/2 tsp, divided

  • Garlic, chopped 1 clove

  • Old Bay Seasoning 1/8 tsp

  • White wine 1/4 cup

  • Parmesan Cheese, grated 1 cup

  • Italian Parsley chopped Garnish

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees
  • Cut spaghetti squash in half and rub with 1 tsp. olive oil
  • Cook for 35 minutes.
  • Cook noodles according to package directions. Save 2 cups of pasta water when draining pasta.
  • While squash and noodles are cooking, heat butter in a pan on medium-high heat until starting to sizzle.
  • Add shrimp, salt, pepper, garlic, and old bay seasoning. Saute for 3-5 minutes or until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  • Add white wine to the pan and stir. Remove from heat and seat aside.
  • Remove squash from oven and allow to cool. Shred squash into strands and place into a medium bowl.
  • Melt butter in saute pan on medium heat. Add black pepper to pan and saute for 1 minute.
  • Add noodles to butter and black mixture and stir noodles and squash mixture.
  • Add 1 cup of parmesan cheese. Stir to incorporate.
  • Using 1/2 cup at a time, add enough pasta water to create a creamy sauce. You may not use all of the 2 cups of water.
  • Plate with shrimp on top of pasta mixture. Sprinkle with fresh Italian parsley.
  • Enjoy!