Description
Cacio e Pepe is a classic Italian pasta dish that combines the creamy richness of Pecorino Romano cheese with the bold flavor of cracked black pepper. This simple yet indulgent recipe requires only four ingredients and is perfect for a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner. The pasta is cooked al dente and tossed with butter, cheese, and toasted pepper to create a luscious, flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 8 oz dried bucatini (or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano (plus more for garnish)
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper (toasted)
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add a small handful of salt and the pasta to the boiling water.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook the pasta, stirring occasionally, until it is al dente, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Drain the pasta, reserving 2/3 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Toss Pasta with Butter and Water: Return the pasta to the pot or transfer it to a large skillet and place it over low heat. Add the reserved pasta water and butter, tossing together until the butter just melts.
- Add Cheese and Pepper: Stir in the grated Pecorino Romano and toasted cracked black pepper, continuing to toss until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and coats the pasta evenly.
- Serve: Top with additional grated cheese as garnish and serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe requires only four ingredients, making it incredibly simple and quick to prepare.
- Ideal for a fast, flavorful weeknight dinner.
- Toasted black pepper enhances aroma and flavor, so toast it lightly before adding.
- Use freshly grated Pecorino Romano for the best texture and taste.
- Reserve pasta water carefully, as the starch helps create a creamy sauce without cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 621 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 308 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 86 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 57 mg
