Ina Garten's Carb-Free Cacio e Pepe Dish Is Genius - And Healthy!

Topped with literally just "cheese and pepper" cacio e pepe has become somewhat of a cult favorite comfort dish amid discerning pasta lovers - the grown-up version of macaroni and cheese, if you will. And if you're like anyone else who's been hanging out in their kitchens more often than ever for the past few months, chances are "comfort food" has been the primary part of your quarantine diet. #NoShame.

But if you've had your fill of pasta (for now, at least), and just remembered you need to eat some greens, why not try a slightly healthier take on the fave?

Leave it to Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa and certified Comfort Food Goddess, to come up with the perfect, light version of cacio e pepe using, instead of pasta, asparagus! The hearty vegetable serves as the perfect foundation for the still-plentiful toppings of Pecorino, Parmesan, and freshly ground black pepper, without all the carbs. Meaning, of course, that second and third helpings are highly encouraged.

Check out the ingredients below and head HERE for Ina's full recipe!

What you'll need:
1½ pounds thick asparagus spears
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons freshly grated Italian Pecorino cheese
1 tablespoon freshly grated Italian Parmesan cheese
1 lemon, quartered
Fleur de sel

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Asparagus season is here and my Cacio e Pepe Asparagus is beyond easy to make! Perfect with roast chicken or pasta. Recipe link in profile. #farmstanddinner #staysafe
A post shared by Ina Garten (@inagarten) on May 27, 2020 at 10:27am PDT