Cacio E Pepe High-Protein Pasta Chips Recipe
Cacio E Pepe High-Protein Pasta Chips are a crunchy, savory snack made by frying high-protein farfalle pasta until golden and crisp, then tossing it with pecorino romano cheese and freshly ground black pepper, capturing the classic Italian flavors of cacio e pepe in a fun, bite-sized form.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- Kosher salt, as needed for pasta water
- 8 oz. high-protein farfalle pasta
- 4 to 6 cups vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 oz. Pecorino Romano, finely grated (about 1 cup), divided
- 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the high-protein farfalle pasta, stirring occasionally, until just shy of al dente, about 6 to 8 minutes. The pasta will finish cooking during frying. Drain the pasta well, shaking off as much water as possible, then spread it out on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to dry briefly.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large, heavy pot to a depth of approximately 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until an instant-read or deep-fry thermometer registers 350°F (177°C), indicating it’s ready for frying.
- Fry Pasta in Batches: Working in small batches to prevent overcrowding, carefully spoon the pasta into the hot oil. Fry, turning the pasta halfway through the cooking time with a metal spider or slotted spoon and separating any pieces stuck together, until the pasta is golden brown and begins to float, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Toss with Cheese and Pepper: Transfer the fried pasta to a large heatproof bowl. As you add each batch, sprinkle some of the finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese and season with freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to coat the pasta chips evenly with the cheese and pepper.
Notes
- Drying the pasta briefly after boiling helps reduce splattering during frying.
- Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature for evenly crispy chips.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot while frying, to allow the pasta to crisp properly.
- High-protein pasta enhances the nutritional value and gives these chips a satisfying texture.
- Store leftover chips in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
Keywords: Cacio e Pepe, pasta chips, high-protein pasta, fried pasta snack, pecorino romano, Italian snack
