Description
Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe is a classic Italian pasta dish that elegantly combines simple ingredients like Pecorino Romano cheese and freshly ground black pepper with al dente spaghetti to create a creamy, flavorful sauce. This quick and easy recipe highlights the perfect balance of sharp, salty cheese and peppery warmth, making it a perfect comfort meal for any pasta lover.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated
- 1 ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional)
- Salt, for boiling water
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until just shy of al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Toast the Pepper: In a large skillet over medium heat, toast the freshly ground black pepper for about 1 minute until fragrant, which will bring out its aromatic and spicy flavors.
- Create the Base: Add ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet with the toasted pepper and bring it to a gentle simmer to infuse the water with the pepper flavor.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing well to coat the noodles evenly with the pepper-infused water.
- Melt the Cheese: Gradually sprinkle in the finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese while continuously stirring the pasta to prevent clumping, adding more reserved pasta water as needed to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Enhance (Optional): If desired, add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter at this stage to enrich the sauce and add extra creaminess.
- Finish and Serve: Continue tossing the pasta until the sauce clings smoothly and evenly to the noodles. Serve immediately with additional Pecorino Romano cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper on top for extra flavor.
Notes
- Reserve plenty of pasta water as its starch helps create a creamy sauce without cream.
- Use freshly ground black pepper for the best aroma and flavor.
- The butter is optional but adds richness to the dish.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest.
- Use Pecorino Romano cheese for an authentic sharp, salty flavor; Parmesan can be substituted but will alter the taste slightly.
