Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e pepe is a simple 5-ingredient pasta dish. This quick and easy pasta dinner takes less than 20 minutes to make.

This Cacio e Pepe is a simple but flavorful 5-ingredient pasta recipe that proves you don’t need a long ingredient list to make something amazing.

This rich and creamy pasta dish is a classic Italian pasta dish that gets maximum flavor from a few simple ingredients. It’s quick, vegetarian, and perfect for busy weeknights or when you want comfort food with minimal effort.

How to make cacio e pepe

Here you'll find instructions and step-by-step photos showing how to make this recipe. The full recipe, including ingredients, is given below.

Step 1: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta to al dente according to package directions. Reserve ⅔ cup pasta water before draining.

Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter along with the oil.

Step 3: Add black pepper and toast until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Add ⅓ cup reserved pasta water and bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Whisk in remaining 1 tablespoon butter and, using tongs, add pasta, tossing into butter mixture.

Step 6: Add Pecorino cheese and toss constantly, removing skillet from heat when about half the cheese has melted. If the sauce is too thick, thin with additional pasta water.

Step 7: Serve topped with additional Pecorino cheese.

Serving suggestions

Serve the pasta with a fresh green salad or sauteed vegetables to round out the meal. You can also serve it with a side of garlic bread or garlic knots.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 4 days when properly stored in the fridge.

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