How to Make Cacio e Pepe (Cheese and Pepper Pasta) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Cacio e Pepe is a classic Italian pasta dish that hails from the region of Lazio, particularly Rome. The name translates to "cheese and pepper," and that's exactly what this dish delivers - a simple yet incredibly flavorful combination of pasta, pecorino romano cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper.

What sets cacio e pepe apart from other pasta dishes is its minimalist approach to ingredients. With just three main components, it's a prime example of how quality ingredients and prop...

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Ingredients

  • 2 (16 ounce) packages dried spaghetti
  • 3 ½ cups finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese, or more to taste
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces
  • 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
  • salt to taste

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Servings: 16
  • Yield: 16 servings

  • Bring a 12-quart pot of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving 2 cups of cooking water.
  • Return pasta and cooking water to the pot over low heat. Add 3 1/2 cups Pecorino Romano cheese, butter, and pepper. Stir until cheese has melted and formed a creamy sauce, about 5 minutes. Season with salt.
  • Serve with additional cheese, if desired.
  • Nutrition

    347 cal.

    • Total Fat: 12g
    • Saturated Fat: 7g
    • Cholesterol: 39mg
    • Sodium: 316mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 43g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 2g
    • Protein: 16g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 291mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 152mg