Description
Classic Italian Cacio e Pepe is a simple yet flavorful pasta dish made with just four ingredients: bucatini or spaghetti, butter, Pecorino Romano cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper. Combining creamy, savory cheese with the warm kick of toasted pepper, this dish is quick to prepare and perfect for an indulgent weeknight meal.
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)
- Salt (a small handful, for pasta water)
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 to the boiling water for seasoning, then add the dried bucatini or spaghetti. Cook the pasta, stirring occasionally, until it’s al dente, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
- Reserve Pasta Water and Drain: Once cooked, drain the pasta, making sure to reserve about 2/3 cup of the starchy pasta water which will be used to create the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Butter: Return the drained pasta to the pot or place it in a large skillet set over low heat. Add the reserved pasta water and the unsalted butter, tossing together gently until the butter just melts, coating the pasta evenly.
- Add Cheese and Pepper: Sprinkle in the freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese and the toasted cracked black pepper. Continue to toss the mixture until the cheese melts and forms a creamy, silky sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
- Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates and top with additional grated Pecorino Romano cheese for garnish. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- This recipe uses only four ingredients, making it incredibly simple and quick to prepare—ideal for busy weeknights.
- Toasting the black pepper enhances its flavor and adds a subtle smoky note to the dish.
- Using starchy pasta water is key to achieving a creamy sauce without cream.
- For best results, use freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese rather than pre-grated to ensure better melting and flavor.
- Feel free to substitute bucatini with spaghetti or other long pasta shapes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 621 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 308 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 86 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 57 mg
