Cacio e Pepe Pasta

Indulge in the simple elegance of Cacio e Pepe Pasta, a classic Italian dish that celebrates the beauty of minimal ingredients done right. This timeless recipe combines al dente spaghetti with the bold flavor of finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese and freshly cracked black pepper, creating a creamy, peppery sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this authentic Roman dish relies on a clever use of starchy pasta water to bind the cheese and pepper into a velvety coating. Perfect for a quick yet sophisticated dinner, this 4-ingredient recipe is a go-to for lovers of traditional Italian cuisine. Serve it hot, garnished with extra Pecorino and a sprinkle of cracked pepper for a restaurant-quality touch. Simple, comforting, and utterly irresistible, Cacio e Pepe is pasta at its finest.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams Spaghetti
• 150 grams Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated
• 2 teaspoons Black pepper, freshly cracked
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 4 liters Water

Directions

Step 1

Bring 4 liters of water to a boil in a large pot over high heat. Once boiling, add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.

Step 2

Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook until the pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.

Step 3

While the pasta cooks, finely grate the Pecorino Romano cheese and set aside. Measure out the black pepper and have it ready.

Step 4

Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup (240 ml) of the pasta cooking water, then drain the rest of the water from the pasta.

Step 5

Return the drained pasta back to the pot over low heat. Add half of the reserved pasta water to the pot with the pasta.

Step 6

Add the finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese to the pasta, stirring quickly to coat the pasta in the cheese. If necessary, add more reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a smooth and creamy sauce.

Step 7

Once the cheese has melted and evenly coated the pasta, sprinkle in the freshly cracked black pepper. Stir to combine, ensuring the black pepper is evenly distributed throughout the dish.

Step 8

Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more cheese or black pepper if desired.

Step 9

Remove the pot from heat and immediately serve the cacio e pepe pasta in bowls, garnishing with additional grated Pecorino Romano and freshly cracked black pepper, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4618.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1234.5

Total Fat 46.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 27.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 133.9mg	0%
Sodium 5163.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 131.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.5g	0%
Total Sugars 3.7g
Protein 66.5g	0%

Vitamin D 32.1IU	0%
Calcium 1916.5mg	0%
Iron 8.6mg	0%
Potassium 395.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.7%

Protein: 21.9%

Carbs: 43.4%