How to Make Bucatini Cacio e Pepe (Roman Sheep Herder's Pasta) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Cacio e pepe is a classic Roman pasta dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. Its simple yet incredibly satisfying flavors have made it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The dish, which translates to "cheese and pepper," is a testament to the Roman tradition of using high-quality ingredients to create delicious and uncomplicated dishes.

Bucatini cacio e pepe is a specific variation of this beloved pasta dish, featuring bucatini, a thick, hollow spaghetti that is perfect fo...

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Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 pound bucatini (dry)
  • 2 cups finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 1 ½ tablespoons freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 25 mins
  • Servings: 6
  • Yield: 6 servings

  • Gather all ingredients.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt. Cook bucatini in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Place grated Pecorino Romano cheese into a large glass bowl and mix with a fork to make sure the cheese contains no lumps.
  • Once the bucatini are al dente, lift them out with a spaghetti fork or tongs and put them directly into the bowl with the cheese. Do not allow the water to drain too much.
  • Add one ladle of pasta water to the bowl. Stir the bucatini around until a cream has formed.
  • Add more pasta water, little by little, until a thick cream has formed.
  • Sprinkle freshly ground pepper over the pasta. Toss and serve immediately.
  • Nutrition

    438 cal.

    • Total Fat: 12g
    • Saturated Fat: 7g
    • Cholesterol: 41mg
    • Sodium: 870mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 59g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 0g
    • Protein: 23g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 443mg
    • Iron: 4mg
    • Potassium: 177mg