4.8 from 78 votes
Authentic Cacio e Pepe
Authentic Cacio e Pepe showcases tonnarelli or thick spaghetti coated in a creamy sauce made from Pecorino Romano cheese, fresh black pepper, and starchy pasta water. The result is a silky, peppery, and cheesy pasta with a balanced heat, emphasizing minimal ingredients and traditional Italian technique.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings:
6
Servings
Calories:
382 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound tonnarelli or thick spaghetti pasta
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups Pecorino Romano cheese or freshly gfrated, finely shredded
- 1 cup pasta water approximate
- 1 tablespoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add in salt. Cook your pasta until al dente.
- (Optional Step) Place the pepper in a small skillet and toast over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Remove cooked pasta from the water with tongs when finished and placed into a large mixing bowl.
- Add in 1 1/4 cups pecorino romano cheese immediately, reserving the remaining 1/4 cup. Add in 1/2 cup of the pasta water and pepper.
- Stir with tongs quickly to allow the heat from the pasta and water to melt the cheese. Add remaining water until you have a thick, creamy sauce coating the pasta.
- Serve hot sprinkled with remaining cheese.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Adjust the amount of black pepper used to suit your taste and pepper strength; from 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons is typical.
- Freshly grated Pecorino Romano melts more smoothly than pre-grated cheese and avoids clumping.
- Grate cheese finely for a better melting texture that coats the pasta evenly.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1serving
Calories
382kcal
(19%)
Carbohydrates
58g
(19%)
Protein
18g
(36%)
Fat
7g
(11%)
Saturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Cholesterol
26mg
(9%)
Sodium
1469mg
(61%)
Potassium
216mg
(5%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
115IU
(2%)
Calcium
291mg
(29%)
Iron
1.4mg
(8%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 382
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 382kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 58g | 19% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 26mg | 9% |
| Sodium | 1469mg | 61% |
| Potassium | 216mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 115IU | 2% |
| Calcium | 291mg | 29% |
| Iron | 1.4mg | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.