Master the art of Cacio e Pepe spaghetti, a creamy, cheesy pasta made with Pecorino Romano and black pepper. A quick and elegant Italian classic ready in 20 minutes!
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INGREDIENTS
6ouncespaghetti, linguine or fettuccine pasta
3tablespoonsbutter, I used unsalted
1cupparmesan, or Pecorino Romano, freshly grated
1teaspoonblack pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
Cook the pasta: Boil the spaghetti in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve 1–2 cups of pasta water before draining.
6 ounce spaghetti
Sauté the pepper: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the black pepper and sauté for about 1 minute, just enough to release its rich aroma.
3 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon black pepper
Combine the ingredients: Add ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss in the cooked pasta, along with another tablespoon of butter. Lower the heat and sprinkle in the cheese, tossing the pasta until it’s evenly coated and the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. If needed, add more reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect silky texture.
1 cup parmesan
Serve immediately: Plate the pasta while it’s hot and enjoy this simple, indulgent dish right away!
NOTES
To Store. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or a bit of butter to loosen up the sauce, as it may thicken in the fridge.
To Make Ahead. While cacio e pepe is best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients in advance. Grate the cheese, toast the pepper, and cook the pasta until just underdone. Store the pasta and other ingredients separately in the fridge, and then finish the dish when you're ready by tossing everything together on the stove.