spaghetti cacio e pepe recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
spaghetti cacio e pepe recipe
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The Best spaghetti cacio e pepe recipe

I love making spaghetti cacio e pepe for my family. It is one of those recipes that looks fancy but is actually so simple. The kids go crazy for the creamy, cheesy sauce, and I love that it uses just a few basic ingredients we always have on hand. It is a perfect weeknight dinner that comes together in the time it takes to boil pasta. Plus, it is a great way to get a good source of protein and calcium from the cheese. No complicated steps, just pure comfort food.

Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe

Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe

4.6 from 692 votes

A classic Roman pasta dish made with only spaghetti, Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and pasta water. It is creamy, peppery, and incredibly satisfying.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time15 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 pound spaghetti
2 cups finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns, coarsely ground
Salt for pasta water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 1 minute less than package directions.
2While pasta cooks, toast the coarsely ground black pepper in a large dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.
3Reserve 2 cups of pasta water before draining the spaghetti. Do not rinse the pasta.
4Add 1 cup of reserved pasta water to the skillet with the toasted pepper. Return skillet to medium heat.
5Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss well to coat.
6Remove skillet from heat. Gradually add the grated Pecorino Romano cheese, tossing constantly with tongs. Add more pasta water as needed, a little at a time, until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce that coats the pasta.
7Serve immediately with an extra grating of Pecorino and a sprinkle of black pepper.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet or sauté pan
Tongs
Microplane or fine grater
Pepper mill or mortar and pestle

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

The key to a creamy sauce is using finely grated Pecorino and adding it off the heat while tossing constantly. Do not use pre-shredded cheese as it will not melt smoothly. Freshly grate your cheese.

Watch Video Of How Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe Works

Spaghetti cacio e pepe is a dish that always works. It is simple enough for a busy weeknight but elegant enough for a dinner party. I make it for family gatherings and everyone always asks for the recipe.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe

1. Why did my cheese clump up?

This usually happens if the heat is too high when you add the cheese. Make sure to remove the skillet from the heat before adding the cheese and toss constantly. Also, use a very fine grate on your cheese.

2. Can I use a different cheese?

Pecorino Romano is the traditional choice and gives the best flavor. You can substitute Parmesan, but the taste will be different and less sharp. A mix of both is also good.

3. What kind of pepper should I use?

Use whole black peppercorns and coarsely grind them yourself. Pre-ground pepper is too fine and can be dusty. Toasting the pepper in the pan brings out its flavor.

4. My pasta seems dry. What did I do wrong?

You may not have added enough pasta water. The starchy water is what creates the creamy sauce. Add it a little at a time until you reach the perfect consistency. The sauce will also thicken as it sits, so serve immediately.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Yes, you can use gluten free spaghetti. Just be sure to cook it according to package directions and reserve extra pasta water, as gluten free pasta can absorb more liquid.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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