Print

Creamy Cacio e Pepe Pasta Recipe Easy Authentic Roman Comfort Food

creamy cacio e pepe pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A simple and authentic Roman pasta dish featuring a creamy, pepper-speckled sauce made with Pecorino Romano and freshly cracked black pepper. Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for cozy dinners and quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) dried spaghetti
  • 1 ½ cups (about 150 g) finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black peppercorns
  • Salt for pasta water (preferably coarse sea salt)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add 1 tablespoon of salt, and bring to a rolling boil (about 7-10 minutes).
  2. Add 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti and cook until just shy of al dente, about 8-9 minutes.
  3. Before draining, reserve about 1 ½ cups (350 ml) of starchy pasta water and set aside.
  4. Drain the spaghetti quickly without rinsing.
  5. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant.
  6. Transfer drained spaghetti to the skillet, pour in about ½ cup (120 ml) reserved pasta water, and toss vigorously to coat and begin creating the sauce.
  7. Remove pan from heat. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups (150 g) finely grated Pecorino Romano over pasta. Toss and stir quickly, adding more pasta water a little at a time to loosen sauce if needed, aiming for a smooth, silky coating.
  8. Optionally, drizzle 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and toss again for a silkier finish.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra black pepper and Pecorino if desired.

Notes

Use freshly cracked black pepper and finely grated Pecorino Romano for best results. Add cheese off heat to prevent clumping. Reserve enough pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Toss vigorously and serve immediately. Optionally add olive oil for silkiness. Avoid pre-grated cheese to prevent grainy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: cacio e pepe, creamy pasta, Roman pasta, Pecorino Romano, black pepper pasta, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, authentic Italian

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/creamy-cacio-e-pepe-pasta-recipe-easy-authentic-roman-comfort-food/