Go Back
+ servings
Cacio e Pepe spaghetti.

Cacio e Pepe

No ratings yet
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!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 332

Ingredients
  

  • 6 ounce spaghetti linguine or fettuccine pasta
  • 3 tablespoons butter I used unsalted
  • 1 cup parmesan or Pecorino Romano, freshly grated
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. Serve immediately: Plate the pasta while it’s hot and enjoy this simple, indulgent dish right away!

Nutrition

Calories: 332kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 15gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 471mgPotassium: 127mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 460IUCalcium: 310mgIron: 1mg

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.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!