Description
Cacio e pepe is a classic Roman pasta dish that beautifully balances simplicity and flavor. Made with just a few high-quality ingredients, this creamy, peppery delight is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or an impressive dish for guests. With its rich aroma and comforting taste, cacio e pepe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Salt (for seasoning pasta water)
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions.
- While the pasta cooks, mix the grated Pecorino Romano and black pepper in a bowl until well combined.
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti.
- Return the drained spaghetti to the pot off heat. Gradually add reserved pasta water and cheese mixture, stirring vigorously until creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional cheese or pepper if desired.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 76g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: For added brightness, consider squeezing some lemon juice over the finished dish. Substitute Pecorino Romano with Parmesan if preferred. Ensure you reserve enough starchy pasta water for a creamy sauce.