Description
This classic Cacio e Pepe recipe is a simple yet indulgent Italian pasta dish featuring bucatini tossed with a creamy sauce made from butter, Pecorino Romano cheese, and toasted cracked black pepper. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 8 oz dried bucatini (or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano (plus more for garnish)
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper (toasted)
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add a small handful of salt and the dried bucatini to the boiling water. Cook the pasta, stirring occasionally, until it is al dente, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Drain and Reserve Pasta Water: Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 2/3 cup of the starchy pasta water for the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Butter: Return the pasta to the pot or transfer it to a large skillet placed over low heat. Add the reserved pasta water and the unsalted butter. Toss gently until the butter just melts and begins to coat the pasta.
- Add Cheese and Pepper: Sprinkle in the freshly grated Pecorino Romano and the toasted cracked black pepper. Continue tossing the pasta so that the cheese melts into the pasta water and butter, creating a creamy, smooth sauce that clings beautifully to each strand of pasta.
- Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates, garnish with extra Pecorino Romano cheese, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- This recipe requires only 4 simple ingredients, making it incredibly easy and quick to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- The toasted cracked black pepper adds a delicious depth of flavor and a subtle heat to the dish.
- Using the reserved pasta water helps to create a creamy and cohesive sauce without the need for cream.
- For best results, freshly grate the Pecorino Romano cheese to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 621 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 308 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 86 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 57 mg
