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5.0 from 24 votes

Cacio e Pepe Recipe

A recipe every Italian keeps in their repertoire for a quick and delicious meal. Cacio e Pepe ... Literally “cheese and pepper,” this minimalist cacio e pepe recipe is Italy's true "mac and cheese". Share with friends and family. From my cucina to your table, and always made with, Amore! 

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 427 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 12 ounce long pasta of choice spaghetti, bucatini 150 g
  • 3 ounce pecorino romano if you can't find it use 4 oz of parmigiano
  • 1 ounce Parmigiano more for topping
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente per package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
  2. In a large pan over medium-low heat, toast the freshly ground black pepper for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add ½ cup of reserved pasta water and swirl the pan.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the finely grated Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano-Reggiano with a few tablespoons of lukewarm pasta water, stirring until it forms a smooth, thick paste.
  4. Add the drained pasta to the pan with the black pepper water, tossing for about 1 minute to coat the pasta in the starchy liquid. Remove from heat and gradually add the cheese mixture, tossing QUICKLY and continioulsy until a creamy sauce forms. If needed, add more pasta water a little at a time to achieve the perfect consistency.
  5. Top with extra Pecorino cheese and extra black pepper to taste and serve immediately.  

Notes

  • Use Quality Cheese. Do not cut corners on this step.
  • Use Quality Pasta. This will make this recipe "restaurant-style."
  • Fry the Pepper. I think frying the pepper brings out the aroma and flavor better. Don't forget the pasta water. It's what makes the sauce really "creamy".
  • Save Pasta Water. Make sure to save the pasta at the END of the pasta cooking time so the water is starchy. This is essential in creating that "creamy" (without cream) sauce.

Nutrition Information

Calories 427kcal (21%) Carbohydrates 65g (22%) Protein 20g (40%) Fat 9g (14%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 2g Cholesterol 27mg (9%) Sodium 374mg (16%) Potassium 221mg (6%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 146IU (3%) Calcium 330mg (33%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 427

% Daily Value*

Calories 427kcal 21%
Carbohydrates 65g 22%
Protein 20g 40%
Fat 9g 14%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 27mg 9%
Sodium 374mg 16%
Potassium 221mg 5%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 146IU 3%
Calcium 330mg 33%
Iron 1mg 6%

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