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Quick Creamy Cacio e Pepe Recipe

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A fast and easy version of the classic Roman pasta dish, combining Pecorino Romano cheese and freshly cracked black pepper into a creamy, comforting sauce ready in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or tonarelli pasta
  • 1 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese (about 100 g)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) reserved pasta cooking water

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 4 quarts/3.8 L). Add 1 tablespoon of salt so the water tastes like the sea. Cook 8 oz (225 g) of spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-9 minutes). Save 1 cup (240 ml) of the pasta cooking water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, toast the black pepper in a large skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional) to the toasted pepper in the skillet to create a silky sauce and mellow the pepper’s bite.
  4. Drain the pasta quickly, reserving the cooking water. Immediately transfer the hot pasta to the skillet with pepper and oil. Toss to coat thoroughly.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle 1 cup (100 g) finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese over the pasta. Add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water gradually, tossing constantly to combine until the sauce is creamy and clings to the pasta.
  6. Adjust seasoning with extra cracked black pepper or Pecorino if needed. Add more pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  7. Serve immediately on warm plates, garnished with extra Pecorino and black pepper if desired.

Notes

Use freshly cracked black pepper for best flavor. Grate cheese finely to avoid clumps. Reserve pasta water to create a creamy sauce without cream. Add cheese off the heat to prevent graininess. Serve immediately on warm plates to keep sauce silky. Leftovers can be stored up to 2 days and reheated gently with a splash of water or olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: cacio e pepe, quick pasta, creamy pasta, Italian pasta, Pecorino Romano, black pepper pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/quick-creamy-cacio-e-pepe-recipe-15-minutes-easy-homemade-pasta/