Description
Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe is a classic Roman pasta dish made with just three main ingredients: spaghetti, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. This simple yet indulgent dish creates a creamy, peppery sauce using starchy pasta water, delivering bold flavors in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an authentic Italian meal at home.
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.
- Toast the Pepper – In a large skillet over medium heat, toast the black pepper for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Create the Base – Add ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce – Reduce the heat to low and add the drained spaghetti, tossing to coat in the pepper-infused water.
- Melt the Cheese – Gradually sprinkle in the Pecorino Romano cheese while continuously stirring, adding more pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce.
- Enhance (Optional) – If using, add the butter for extra creaminess.
- Finish and Serve – Continue tossing the pasta until the sauce clings smoothly to the noodles. Serve immediately with extra Pecorino Romano and black pepper on top.
Notes
Prevent Clumping – Finely grate the cheese and add it gradually while stirring constantly. Keeping the heat low helps create a smooth sauce.
Use Tonnarelli for Authenticity – This thicker, square-cut pasta is traditional in Rome.
Extra Creaminess – Though not traditional, a touch of butter or heavy cream can make the sauce even silkier.
Spicy Kick – A pinch of red pepper flakes pairs well with the black pepper.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian, Roman
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 servings
- Calories: ~400 kcal per serving
