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5.0 from 15 votes

Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe

Whether you're entertaining or relaxing, this recipe hits the spot.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 3 people
Calories: 543 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • salt for seasoning pasta water
  • 8 oz spaghetti or other long pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • 1¼ cups (about 2 oz) finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese plus more for finishing
  • 1 teaspoon coarse freshly ground black pepper plus more for finishing

Notes

  • Boil the pasta in less water than you normally would to create an extra starchy pasta water, which will add more body to the sauce. Excess water will dilute the cooking water and won't make the sauce as creamy. 
  • Make sure you reserve pasta water for your sauce. The starchy water that comes from boiled pasta helps the cheese melt into a smooth, velvety sauce. 
  • Choose a high-quality Pecorino Romano cheese and grate it yourself.
  • It's imperative to keep the heat very low when tossing the pasta in the pan to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly, which causes it to clump up. 
  • Be sure to drain your pasta as soon as it's al dente to prevent it from turning mushy in the pan, since it will continue cooking. 
  • Serve spaghetti cacio e pepe in warm bowls to keep it from cooling down to quickly. I like to warm them in a low oven for about 10 minutes prior to serving. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 543kcal (27%) Carbohydrates 58g (19%) Protein 21g (42%) Fat 25g (38%) Saturated Fat 16g (80%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 7g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 75mg (25%) Sodium 407mg (17%) Potassium 202mg (6%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 605IU (12%) Calcium 375mg (38%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 3people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 543

% Daily Value*

Calories 543kcal 27%
Carbohydrates 58g 19%
Protein 21g 42%
Fat 25g 38%
Saturated Fat 16g 80%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 7g 35%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 75mg 25%
Sodium 407mg 17%
Potassium 202mg 4%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 605IU 12%
Calcium 375mg 38%
Iron 1mg 6%

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