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Cacio e Pepe Recipe Easy Silky Sauce for Romantic Dinners in 15 Minutes

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A quick and elegant Roman pasta dish featuring a silky, creamy sauce made with Pecorino Romano, black pepper, butter, and pasta water, ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for romantic dinners or fuss-free flavorful meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
  • 1 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese (100g)
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper (coarse grind)
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
  • About 1 cup (240ml) pasta cooking water

Instructions

  1. Bring about 4 quarts (4 liters) of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to season the pasta water. Add the spaghetti and cook until just shy of al dente, about 7 minutes.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the freshly ground black pepper and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to release aromatic oils.
  3. Before draining, scoop out about 1 cup (240ml) of pasta cooking water and set aside. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the pasta directly into the skillet with the toasted pepper, reserving some pasta water.
  4. Add the butter to the skillet. Toss the pasta gently to coat it in pepper and butter. Slowly pour in about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water, tossing constantly to create a silky base.
  5. Turn the heat to low or off. Gradually sprinkle the finely grated Pecorino Romano over the pasta while tossing or stirring vigorously. Add more reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve a creamy, glossy coating without clumps.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with more cracked black pepper if desired. Serve immediately on warmed plates.

Notes

Toast the black pepper to release its oils for better flavor. Use freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese for a smooth sauce. Add pasta water slowly while tossing to prevent clumping. Keep heat low when adding cheese to avoid grainy texture. Undercook pasta slightly as it finishes cooking in the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: cacio e pepe, Italian pasta, quick pasta recipe, romantic dinner, silky sauce, Pecorino Romano, black pepper pasta

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/cacio-e-pepe-recipe-easy-silky-sauce-for-romantic-dinners-in-15-minutes/