Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe

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  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    5 mins

  • Total Time

    17 mins

  • Servings

    4 servings

  • Calories

    259 kcal

  • Cuisine

    Italian

Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe

Classic Cacio e Pepe is a three-ingredient miracle made with pasta, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper. Learn my secret to achieving a silky, restaurant-worthy sauce each and every time.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper coursely ground (see note 1)
  • 8 ounces Spaghetti (see note 2)
  • 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese freshly grated, about 2 ounces (see note 3)
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Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water and 1 tablespoon of salt to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until 2 to 3 minutes before indicated al dente time, about 8 minutes.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat, add 1/4 teaspoon fresh coarsely ground black pepper. Cook until pepper is fragrant and begins to toast, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  3. Add a ladle of pasta water (about 4 to 6 ounces) to the skillet with the pepper. Reduce heat and simmer.
  4. Using tongs, transfer pasta from the pot to the skillet, reserving pasta water. Toss with pepper mixture until pasta is al dente, about 2 to 3 minutes, adding more pasta water if pan becomes dry.
  5. In a small bowl, combine Pecorino with enough pasta water to form a thick paste. Add Pecorino paste to pasta and use tongs to combine.
  6. Continue to toss pasta until sauce is creamy and thick, adding more pasta water if needed. Serve with additional grated Pecorino cheese and pepper.

Notes

  • Black Pepper: Coarsely ground pepper is best for this dish. Freshly grind whole black peppercorns using a pepper mill, mortar and pestle, or crush using a meat tenderizer. If you only have finely ground on hand. Use less and adjust to taste.
  • Spaghetti: Or any long-cut pasta, such as the traditional pici, or bucatini, tonnarelli, linguine, or fettuccine.
  • Pecorino cheese: Ideally, start with a block of Pecorino and use a box grater or pulse in a food processor to shred it yourself. Pre-shredded or pre-grated cheese can contain ingredients that prevent the cheese from melting as smoothly as it does fresh from the brick. 
  • Butter: While not traditional in this Roman dish, many enjoy the added taste of butter. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in the skillet before adding pepper in step 2. Add an additional tablespoon in step 6 along with the pasta.
  • Yield: This recipe makes about 4 cups of pasta, enough for 4 servings, 1 cup each. 
  • Storage: This dish is best enjoyed the day it is made, but leftovers can be stored covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1 cup Calories 259kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 43g (14%) Protein 11g (22%) Fat 4g (6%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g Monounsaturated Fat 1g Cholesterol 13mg (4%) Sodium 153mg (6%) Potassium 137mg (4%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 52IU (1%) Calcium 145mg (15%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 259 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 cup
Calories 259kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 43g 14%
Protein 11g 22%
Fat 4g 6%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g 2%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 13mg 4%
Sodium 153mg 6%
Potassium 137mg 3%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 52IU 1%
Calcium 145mg 15%
Iron 1mg 6%

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

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