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4.8 from 57 votes

Cacio e Pepe

You only need 20 minutes and 5 ingredients to make Cacio e Pepe. This classic pasta dish is simple, but so good! This cheesy, peppery pasta is absolutely delicious and perfect for an easy weeknight meal.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 398 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 12 ounces bucatini pasta (can use spaghetti)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper (see note)
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • Extra grated cheese for serving, optional

Instructions

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  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the kosher salt and return to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package directions. Don’t overcook the pasta.
  2. When the pasta is about halfway done cooking, start making the sauce. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the black pepper and stir, cook for about 2 minutes.
  3. Add 1/2 cup of the pasta water from the pasta pot and bring to a simmer. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Before you drain the pasta, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Use a colander to drain the pasta. Add the pasta, Parmesan cheese, and Pecorino cheese to the skillet, make sure the heat is off. Using tongs, toss until the all of the cheese is melted and until all of the pasta noodles are well coated. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of pasta water and turn the heat on low. Cook for 1 minute or until the water mixes into the pasta.
  5. Transfer the pasta to plates or bowls and garnish with additional cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • If you are sensitive to black pepper or don't care for it, you can reduce the amount. When we are making this dish for our boys, we usually do 3/4 teaspoon of black pepper. 
  • We love using bucatini for this recipe because it is thick and hearty. Spaghetti will work. Make sure you use GOOD cheese. Buy a wedge and freshly grate it yourself.

Nutrition Information

Calories 398kcal (20%) Carbohydrates 44g (15%) Protein 16g (32%) Fat 17g (26%) Saturated Fat 10g (50%) Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 49mg (16%) Sodium 2671mg (111%) Potassium 165mg (5%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 455IU (9%) Calcium 291mg (29%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 398

% Daily Value*

Calories 398kcal 20%
Carbohydrates 44g 15%
Protein 16g 32%
Fat 17g 26%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 49mg 16%
Sodium 2671mg 111%
Potassium 165mg 4%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 455IU 9%
Calcium 291mg 29%
Iron 1mg 6%

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