Cacio e Pepe Pasta
Cacio e pepe seems too simple to be good, but it is delicious! Use Pecorino Romano cheese for the most authentic version of this traditional pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- 2 tsp kosher salt for the cooking water
- 8 ounces spaghetti, or a similar long pasta
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano, (4 ounces), plus more for serving
- ¾ cup hot pasta cooking water, reserved, used as needed
- Kosher salt, to taste
Recommended Equipment
- Large sauté pan
Instructions
- Put the olive oil and coarsely ground black pepper in a large sauté pan and place it over medium-low heat. Heat the mixture for 2 minutes; remove from the heat and set aside.2 tbsp olive oil | 1 1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 2 teaspoons of salt and the spaghetti. Cook following the package instructions for al dente pasta. Before draining the pasta, reserve about ¾ cup of the starchy cooking water. You likely won't need it all, but having the extra ensures a smooth sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside.2 tsp kosher salt for the cooking water | 8 ounces spaghetti
- Place the pan with the olive oil and pepper over low heat. Add the butter and hot, drained spaghetti, stirring to coat. Stir in 1 cup of grated Pecorino Romano and 6 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously, adding more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed, until the sauce is creamy. Season with kosher salt, to taste.1 tbsp unsalted butter | 1 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano | 3/4 cup hot pasta cooking water, reserved, used as needed | Kosher salt
- Serve in pasta bowls with extra grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
Tip: The starchy reserved pasta water is what makes the sauce rich and creamy, so don't forget to remove it before you drain the spaghetti.
Warm pasta bowls help keep the sauce loose and creamy while serving.as it's served
Nutrition
Calories: 586kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 16gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 1783mgPotassium: 188mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 312IUCalcium: 220mgIron: 1mg
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
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