Simple Cacio e Pepe Pasta
A quick and classic Roman pasta dish made with just four key ingredients. Perfect for a comforting meal in under 30 minutes.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 2 to 3 servings
Full Ingredient List
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (e.g., bucatini)
- 2 tablespoons butter, diced into 1-tablespoon chunks
- 2 ounces finely-grated Pecorino-Romano cheese
- 1 teaspoon freshly-ground coarse black pepper
- Fine sea salt (for boiling water)
Cacio e Pepe Pasta
Tools and Equipment
- Large stockpot
- Large sauté pan (preferably nonstick)
- Tongs or spider strainer
- Fine grater
- Measuring cups or heatproof cup
Ingredients
| Quantity | Name | Preparation Notes | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 ounces | uncooked pasta | Bucatini recommended | Thick spaghetti, Tonnarelli |
| 2 tablespoons | butter | Diced into 1-tablespoon chunks | |
| 2 ounces | Pecorino-Romano cheese | Finely-grated | Parmesan (for half portion) |
| 1 teaspoon | black pepper | Freshly-ground, coarse | |
| 2 tablespoons | fine sea salt | For seasoning pasta water |
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a large stockpot halfway with water (about 3 quarts) and bring to a rolling boil. Season the water with 2 tablespoons of fine sea salt. (Tips: Ensure the water is salty like the sea.)
- Step 2: Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the black pepper and cook for 30 seconds, then turn off the heat. (Tips: If using an electric stove, remove the pan from the heat to avoid overheating.)
- Step 3: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until just al dente, stirring occasionally. (Tips: Start checking for al dente at about 2 minutes less than package instructions.)
- Step 4: Using tongs, quickly transfer the pasta directly to the sauté pan with melted butter and pepper. Add 1/3 cup of starchy pasta water. (Tips: Reserve extra pasta water just in case you need more to adjust the sauce.)
- Step 5: Add half of the grated cheese to the pan and toss the pasta to combine, adding more pasta water as necessary until a smooth sauce forms. (Tips: Toss continuously to avoid cheese clumping.)
- Step 6: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with additional black pepper and grated Pecorino-Romano if desired. (Tips: Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.)
Additional Information
Notes: For a more authentic version, you can omit the butter and use extra pasta water to achieve the desired creaminess. Freshly grated cheese is crucial to prevent clumping.