Cacio e Pepe Recipe
This Cacio e Pepe recipe is fantastic because it only requires a few simple 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.
If you love pasta, try my Linguini with Crab or Pasta Primavera.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes yet feels very elegant.
- Fresh ingredients. You only need a few fresh, high-quality ingredients for this recipe.
- Easy to make. If you’re new to the kitchen this recipe is easy to make and loaded with flavor.
What is Cacio e Pepe?
Cacio e pepe is a simple Italian pasta recipe. The term cacio e pepe literally translates to “cheese and pepper”. Traditionally this pasta dish is made using finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese and ground black pepper. However, I find it very hard to find high-quality Pecorino Romano cheese in local grocery stores. In my opinion, they all taste waxy and do not melt easily. Which is why my recipe is slightly different.
My version calls for high-quality finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano, coarsely ground cracked black pepper, olive oil and a touch of butter. This pasta recipe is easy to make yet elevated. I can guarantee it will be a hit!
How to Make Cacio e Pepe
Boil the Pasta
- Boil a pot of water and season it with kosher salt. Cook the pasta al dente according to the package. Reserve about ½ – ¾ cup pasta water.
Bloom the Pepper
- Place a saute pan over medium high heat. Add the olive oil and cracked black pepper. Saute until fragrant.
Assemble the Dish
- Next, add a splash of pasta water (roughly ¼ cup) along with the grated parmesan cheese. Toss together stirring with a wooden spoon. Add pasta water as needed until the cheese is fully melted.Finally, add a dollop of butter and stir until it’s smooth and creamy.
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.
Expert 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 to overcook it.
- If the cheese begins to clump, add a touch more pasta water. The hot pasta water will help melt the cheese and create a smooth creamy sauce.
- It’s important to use cracked black pepper. If you do not have cracked black pepper handy, reduce the amount of pepper you use for this recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! High-quality Parmesan cheese is easier to find in stores than high-quality pecorino Romano cheese. So I use finely grated parmesan cheese instead.
No! It is best enjoyed immediately.
I like spaghetti, linguini, or thin fettuccine.
Other Pasta Recipes to Consider Trying
Cacio e Pepe
Equipment
- 1 pasta pot
- 1 saute pan
- 1 cheese grater
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 tongs
- 1 wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti, al dente
- ½ – ¾ cup reserved pasta water, use as needed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 teaspoons cracked black pepper
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated, option to use Pecorino Romano
- 1-2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
Boil the Pasta
- Boil a pot of water and season it with kosher salt. Cook the pasta al dente according to the package. Reserve about ½ – ¾ cup pasta water.
Bloom the Pepper
- Place a saute pan over medium high heat. Add the olive oil and cracked black pepper. Saute until fragrant.
Assemble
- Next, add a splash of pasta water (roughly ¼ cup) along with the grated parmesan cheese. Toss together stirring with a wooden spoon. Add pasta water as needed until the cheese is fully melted. Finally, add a dollop of butter and stir until it’s smooth and creamy.
6 Comments on “Cacio e Pepe Recipe”
Easy and quick to prepare. So very delicious! You will be amazed at how this comes together
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!!!!
I wanted this exact dish one night and knew I could find it on Healthyish foods! So easy to make and super delicious!
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!!
This recipe is amazing! Simple to make but so very satisfying! Make this as soon as possible you won’t regret it
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.