Cacio e Pepe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
413 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Cacio e Pepe
Description
This recipe begins by cooking spaghetti in heavily salted water until al dente, then reserving some pasta water before draining. Black pepper is toasted briefly in a skillet to release its aroma and combined with a portion of the reserved pasta water to simmer gently.
Lowering the heat, finely grated Pecorino Romano and remaining pasta water are whisked in until the cheese melts and forms a creamy, glossy sauce. Butter is added for richness and to further smooth the sauce. The cooked spaghetti is then tossed thoroughly to ensure every strand is coated with the sauce.
Cacio e Pepe’s appeal lies in its minimal ingredients yet bold flavors—sharp and salty Pecorino combined with the warmth and brightness of freshly ground black pepper. It’s served immediately to enjoy the sauce’s creamy texture at its best, with optional extra black pepper for garnish.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon black pepper plus more for serving, freshly ground
- 1 ½ cup Pecorino Romano cheese freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, drain and return the pasta to the pot, covered.
- In a large deep skillet, toast the pepper until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add ½ cup pasta water on top of the pepper and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, add the grated cheese and remaining pasta water and whisk until it comes together into a creamy glossy sauce. Toss the cooked spaghetti and the butter into the sauce until well combined.
- Serve immediately with more freshly cracked black pepper, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 413 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 413kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 58g | 19% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 36mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 335mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 204mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 226IU | 5% |
| Calcium | 287mg | 29% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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