Cacio e Pepe Recipe
This cacio e pepe recipe is fantastic because it only requires 6 ingredients. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is loaded with flavor. I can guarantee this simple pasta recipe will be a family favorite.
What is Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e pepe is a simple Italian pasta recipe. The term cacio e pepe literally means “cheese and pepper”. This version is made from finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese, cracked black pepper, butter, olive oil, salt, pasta water and spaghetti pasta.
If you do not have Pecorino Romano on hand, Parmesan Reggiano will work perfectly too. Just make sure the cheese is finely grated so it melts into the sauce. As far as cuts of pasta go, I like using spaghetti for this recipe. However, bucatini or thin linguini would work well too.
How to Make Cacio e Pepe
- Boil a pot of water and season it with salt.
- Cook the pasta al dente.
- Reserve about ¾ cup pasta water.
- Place a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the olive oil, cracked black pepper and salt.
- Once the pepper is fragrant add the cooked pasta. Toss well.
- Next, add some pasta water and the grated cheese. Toss well.
- Add as much pasta water as you need to help the cheese fully melt.
- Finally, add the butter and stir until it’s smooth and creamy.
Tips for Making Cacio e Pepe
- Be sure to cook the pasta al dente. The pasta will continue to cook in the pan with the cheese sauce, so you do not want it to get soggy.
- If the cheese begins to clump, add more pasta water. The hot pasta water will help melt the cheese and create a smooth creamy sauce.
- It’s important to use crack black pepper. If you do not have cracked black pepper handy, reduce the amount of pepper you use for this recipe.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. Reheat in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water when reheating. This will help to loosen the pasta and make the sauce creamy again.
Looking for more pasta recipes? Try my Homemade Vegetable Bolognese or my Creamy Spinach Artichoke Bake. Both are easy to make and delicious.
Cacio e Pepe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti, al dente, Delallo Spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper, If you do not have cracked black pepper, use about 1-2 teaspoons of regular.
- ¾ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, or Parmesan Reggiano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup reserved pasta water , use as much as you need to get a creamy smooth sauce
Equipment
- pasta pot
- skillet
- grater
- measuring cups
- tongs
- wooden spoon
Instructions
- Boil a pot of water and season it with salt.
- Cook the pasta al dente.
- Reserve about ¾ cup pasta water.
- Place a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the olive oil, cracked black pepper and salt.
- Once the pepper is fragrant, add the cooked pasta. Toss well.
- Next, add some of the pasta water and the grated cheese. Toss well.
- Add as much pasta water as you need to help the cheese fully melt.
- Finally, add the butter and stir until the pasta and the sauce are smooth and creamy.
6 Comments on “Cacio e Pepe Recipe”
I saw you make this in Instagram and it looked so good I had to make it. It was delicious! Even my husband, who usually only like spaghetti and meatballs, raved about it.
This recipe is amazing! Simple to make but so very satisfying! Make this as soon as possible you won’t regret it
This was the easiest recipe. I only had a short amount of time to get dinner on the table so I picked this recipe. Directions were easy to follow and start to finish, it was 18 minutes. Thank you!!
I wanted this exact dish one night and knew I could find it on Healthyish foods! So easy to make and super delicious!
I made this 2 nights ago & I NEVER make dinner on a Saturday night unless it’s a Jewish holiday. LOL. It was so easy to make & words can not describe how good it was!!! My husband was eating something else but when he saw this pasta, he ate this instead. I’ve been wanting to make this dish for a long time & I’m so glad I finally did. Make this your next meal, you’ll thank me!!!!
Easy and quick to prepare. So very delicious! You will be amazed at how this comes together