Description
Cacio e Pepe is a classic Roman pasta dish celebrated for its simplicity and bold flavors. Made with just a few ingredients—pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and butter—this recipe delivers a creamy, peppery sauce that clings beautifully to bucatini or spaghetti. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a perfect quick and satisfying meal for any pasta lover.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 8 oz dried bucatini or spaghetti
- 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 rapid boil over high heat. Add a small handful of salt to the boiling water, then add the pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until al dente, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving 2/3 cup of the starchy pasta water to use in the sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the pasta to the pot or transfer it into a large skillet set over low heat. Add the reserved pasta water and butter, tossing the pasta gently until the butter just melts, creating a warm, glossy base.
- Add Cheese and Pepper: Sprinkle the grated Pecorino Romano cheese and toasted cracked black pepper over the pasta. Toss continuously to combine until the cheese melts smoothly and forms a creamy, velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
- Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates or bowls. Top with additional grated Pecorino Romano cheese for extra flavor and garnish, then serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- To prevent the cheese from clumping, make sure to add warm pasta water to help create a creamy sauce.
- Use freshly cracked black pepper and toast it lightly to enhance its aroma and flavor.
- Reserve some extra cheese for garnish to add an attractive finishing touch.
- Work quickly when adding cheese to ensure it melts evenly without clumping.
- This recipe serves 2 people comfortably.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4 oz cooked pasta with sauce)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
