Description
Classic Italian Cacio e Pepe is a simple yet flavorful pasta dish made with just four key ingredients: bucatini, butter, Pecorino Romano cheese, and cracked black pepper. This quick and easy recipe results in a creamy, cheesy sauce that perfectly coats the pasta, making it ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 8 oz dried bucatini (or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano (plus more for garnish)
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper (toasted)
Instructions
- Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Cook Pasta: Add a small handful of salt to the boiling water, then add the pasta. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Drain the pasta, reserving 2/3 cup of the pasta cooking water before discarding the rest.
- Combine Pasta and Butter: Return the pasta to the pot or transfer it to a large skillet placed over low heat. Pour in the reserved pasta water and add the butter. Toss continuously until the butter just melts and combines with the water.
- Add Cheese and Pepper: Add the grated Pecorino Romano cheese and toasted cracked black pepper. Continue tossing and stirring until the cheese melts completely and forms a creamy sauce that coats the pasta.
- Serve: Transfer to serving plates and garnish with extra grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- This recipe uses only four simple ingredients, making it incredibly easy and quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights.
- To enhance the pepper flavor, lightly toast the black pepper in a dry pan before adding it to the pasta.
- Use freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese for the best creamy texture and sharp flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water carefully as it helps achieve the sauce’s signature creaminess by binding the cheese to the pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 621 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 308 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 86 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 57 mg
