5.0 from 36 votes
Creamy Lemon Cacio e Pepe
Pasta a Limone meets Cacio e Pepe - get into it!
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 844 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 2 lemons
- 1 pound spaghetti
- kosher salt
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅔ cup finely grated parmesan
- ⅓ cup finely grated pecorino
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated black pepper
Instructions
- Using a vegetable peeler, remove two 2"-long strips of lemon zest. Thinly slice each strip lengthwise into thin strands; set aside for serving. Finely grate remaining zest into a large pot (like a Dutch oven). Cut the lemons in half and juice (you need about 2-3 tablespoons) into a small bowl and set aside.
- Cook pasta, stirring occasionally, until very al dente (pasta will finish cooking in the sauce).
- Meanwhile, add cream to large skillet with lemon zest and cook over medium heat until simmering, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and add in butter while stirring until the sauce is creamy and emulsified. Turn off heat if you're not ready for the next step.
- Just before pasta is al dente, scoop out ¾ cup pasta cooking liquid and add the pasta cooking liquid to cream sauce and return to medium heat. Drain the pasta and transfer to the skillet with the sauce sauce. Cook, tossing often and adding grated cheese little by little, until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy. Stir in the reserved lemon juice and season with salt as needed and the freshly cracked black pepper.
- Divide pasta among bowls and top with reserved lemon zest strips and extra pepper and grated parmesan if desired.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- One thing to note: if you’re making this with store-bought pre-shredded cheese, there’s a chance it wont incorporate as nicely than if you shred/grate it yourself. So go ahead and take the extra 2 minutes to grate yourself. I promise it’s worth it!
Nutrition Information
Calories
844kcal
(42%)
Carbohydrates
94g
(31%)
Protein
25g
(50%)
Fat
42g
(65%)
Saturated Fat
25g
(125%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
10g
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
119mg
(40%)
Sodium
414mg
(17%)
Potassium
426mg
(12%)
Fiber
5g
(20%)
Sugar
6g
(12%)
Vitamin A
1377IU
(28%)
Vitamin C
29mg
(32%)
Calcium
313mg
(31%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 844
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 844kcal | 42% |
| Carbohydrates | 94g | 31% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 42g | 65% |
| Saturated Fat | 25g | 125% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 119mg | 40% |
| Sodium | 414mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 426mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1377IU | 28% |
| Vitamin C | 29mg | 32% |
| Calcium | 313mg | 31% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.