Spaghetti Cacio E Pepe Cheese and Pepper

Indulge in the simple yet sophisticated flavors of Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, a classic Roman dish that transforms just a handful of ingredients into pure magic. This iconic recipe blends perfectly al dente spaghetti, rich Pecorino Romano cheese, and freshly toasted black pepper for a creamy, peppery sauce that clings lovingly to every strand of pasta. The secret lies in creating a silky emulsion using starchy pasta water and melted cheese, resulting in a luscious texture without any cream. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and comforting dish is an elevated choice for weeknight dinners or dinner parties alike. Serve it hot with an extra sprinkle of cheese and a crack of black pepper for a restaurant-worthy experience in your own home.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams Spaghetti
• 150 grams Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated
• 2 teaspoons Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 4 liters Water

Directions

Step 1

Bring 4 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.

Step 2

Cook the spaghetti in the boiling water until just shy of al dente, as it will continue cooking in the sauce later. Refer to the packaging for timing, but reduce the cooking time by about 1 minute.

Step 3

While the pasta is cooking, finely grate the Pecorino Romano cheese and set it aside.

Step 4

In a large, deep skillet or pan, toast the freshly ground black pepper over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Step 5

Once the pasta is done, reserve 1 ½ cups of the starchy pasta water and then drain the spaghetti.

Step 6

Add 1 cup of the reserved pasta water to the toasted black pepper in the skillet and bring to a simmer.

Step 7

Lower the heat to medium-low and add the spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat it with the pepper-infused water.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from the heat and gradually sprinkle in the grated Pecorino Romano cheese while tossing the spaghetti continuously. The key is to toss vigorously so the cheese melts evenly and forms a creamy sauce without clumping.

Step 9

If the sauce is too thick, add more of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more black pepper if desired.

Step 11

Serve the spaghetti immediately on warm plates, garnished with a small extra sprinkle of Pecorino Romano cheese and freshly ground black pepper.

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%