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4.8 from 147 votes

Authentic Cacio e Pepe

A simple traditional Roman Pasta dish made with just 4 ingredients. This Cacio e Pepe Recipe is quick and easy and so delicious.

Prep Time
2 mins
Cook Time
2 mins
Total Time
14 mins
Servings: 3 servings
Calories: 422 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 3 cups Cooked Spaghetti
  • ¾-1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1¼ cups freshly grated Pecorino cheese
  • ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese* (if you prefer you can use just pecorino Romano cheese)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Boil the water in a large pot, add the salt and the spaghetti. Cook the pasta about two minutes less than the package directions.
  2. While pasta is cooking, ground the pepper corns until you have the desired amount of pepper.
  3. About 3 minutes before the time is up (2 minutes less then directed) in a large skillet pan add the freshly ground pepper and heat on high for about 30 seconds or until you can smell the pepper, then add about ⅓-½ cup of hot pasta water (you need the starchy pasta water which helps prevent clumping). Cook on high, stirring constantly for about 30-45 seconds, it will be almost melted but some water will remain. 
  4. In a small bowl add the pecorino (and a little parmesan) and combine, add ⅓-½ cup (or a little more if needed) of hot pasta water and stir to make a creamy sauce.
  5. By this time your pasta is ready (a little less than al dente). Turn the heat back on the pepper on medium / high, add the spaghetti and the pecorino cream sauce, quickly toss and stir gently to combine. Add a little pasta water if needed and continue to combine. When the spaghetti is cooked (about a minute) and the creamy sauce has thickened slightly, the Cacio e Pepe is ready. Divide into 2-3 plates, top with a sprinkle of black pepper and pecorino cheese. Enjoy!

Notes

  • 3 cups cooked spaghetti is approximately 6 ounces (300 grams) dry.
  • This pasta should be eaten as soon as it is prepared, but if you do have some leftover, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep for 1-2 days in the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories 422kcal (21%) Carbohydrates 46g (15%) Protein 25g (50%) Fat 15g (23%) Saturated Fat 9g (45%) Cholesterol 51mg (17%) Sodium 629mg (26%) Potassium 117mg (3%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 245IU (5%) Calcium 552mg (55%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 3servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 422

% Daily Value*

Calories 422kcal 21%
Carbohydrates 46g 15%
Protein 25g 50%
Fat 15g 23%
Saturated Fat 9g 45%
Cholesterol 51mg 17%
Sodium 629mg 26%
Potassium 117mg 2%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 245IU 5%
Calcium 552mg 55%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.