Cacio e Pepe Mac & Cheese in a Parmesan Bowl

This Cacio e Pepe Mac & Cheese in a Parmesan Bowl is a mind-blowingly creative spin on two comfort food favorites. Creamy mac and cheese is infused with the bold flavors of cacio e pepe—garlic, black pepper, Parmesan, pecorino, and mozzarella—then served in a crispy baked parmesan cheese bowl. The sauce is garlicky, cheesy, and luscious, clinging to each bite of perfectly cooked pasta. The edible bowl adds crunch, saltiness, and flair, making this a showstopping meal or appetizer.

Author: These Carbs Don't Count

Category: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Difficulty: MEDIUM

Prep. Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 2 bowls

Calories: 1,075 kcal per serving

Ingredients

½ pound - pasta
3 tablespoon - unsalted butter
⅛ Dash - olive oil
3 cloves - garlic
1 cup - heavy cream
⅛ - Salt
⅛ - Black pepper
½ teaspoon - garlic powder
1 cup - Parmesan cheese
¾ cup - pecorino cheese
½ cup - mozzarella cheese
1 cup - reserved pasta water

Instructions

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
In a large skillet, melt butter with a dash of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Stir in Parmesan, pecorino, and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.
Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle Parmesan into a large circle.
Bake for 5–7 minutes until melted and golden. Immediately drape the melted cheese over an upside-down bowl to form a bowl shape.
Let the Parmesan bowl cool and harden, then fill with hot mac and cheese and serve immediately.