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Creamy Cacio e Pepe Pasta Recipe

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  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

Cacio e Pepe is a classic Italian pasta dish that highlights the simple elegance of Pecorino Romano cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. This recipe combines al dente bucatini or spaghetti with a creamy sauce made from butter, cheese, toasted black pepper, and starchy pasta water to create a flavorful and comforting meal that can be prepared in just 15 minutes.

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

  1. Boil the Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat to prepare for cooking the pasta.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Add a small handful of salt and the dried pasta to the boiling water. Stir occasionally and cook until the pasta is al dente, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
  3. Drain and Reserve Pasta Water: Drain the cooked pasta while reserving about 2/3 cup of the starchy pasta water which is key for creating the sauce.
  4. Combine Pasta and Butter: Return the pasta to the pot or transfer it to a large skillet placed over low heat. Add the reserved pasta water and butter, tossing the mixture until the butter just melts to begin forming the sauce.
  5. Add Cheese and Pepper: Incorporate the grated Pecorino Romano cheese and toasted cracked black pepper into the pasta, continuing to toss until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy and coats the pasta evenly.
  6. Serve: Top with additional grated Pecorino Romano cheese as a garnish and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • The starchy pasta water is essential for preventing the cheese from clumping and helps create a smooth, creamy sauce.
  • Use freshly cracked and toasted black pepper for the best flavor impact.
  • Ensure the pasta is hot when tossing with cheese to promote melting and sauce formation.
  • This dish is best served immediately as the sauce can thicken upon standing.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 63g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Find it online: https://evelynseats.com/creamy-cacio-e-pepe-pasta-recipe/