Description
Cacio e Pepe is a classic Roman pasta dish that combines simple ingredients like Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and butter to create a rich and creamy sauce that perfectly coats al dente bucatini or spaghetti. This quick and easy recipe delivers authentic Italian flavors in under 20 minutes, ideal for a comforting yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz dried bucatini or spaghetti
Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for garnish
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper, toasted
Instructions
- Boil pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a small handful of salt to the boiling water to season it, then add the dried bucatini or spaghetti. Cook the pasta, stirring occasionally, until it is al dente, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Reserve pasta water: Drain the cooked pasta, but be sure to reserve about 2/3 cup of the starchy pasta water before discarding the rest.
- Combine pasta and butter: Return the drained pasta back into the pot or transfer it to a large skillet placed over low heat. Add the reserved pasta water and the unsalted butter. Toss the pasta gently until the butter is melted and the water begins to create a silky base.
- Add cheese and pepper: Sprinkle the freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese and toasted cracked black pepper over the pasta. Continue tossing thoroughly until the cheese melts and combines with the butter and pasta water to form a creamy, luscious sauce coating every strand of pasta.
- Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with additional grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use warm pasta water when mixing the cheese with pasta to prevent clumping and help create a creamy sauce consistency.
- Toasting the black pepper enhances its flavor and adds a subtle smoky depth to the dish.
- Use freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese for the best melt and authentic taste.
- The dish is best enjoyed immediately as the sauce can thicken as it cools.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
