Ultimate Cacio e Pepe Delight

Indulge in the creamy richness and peppery warmth of this classic Roman dish, featuring thick spaghettoni enveloped in a velvety Pecorino Romano sauce. A perfect balance of flavors that elevates simplicity to gourmet.

Time to complete

Prep

5min

Cook

12min

Wait

-

Total

17min

Ingredients (Makes 4 servings)
  • 300 grams Spaghettoni (10.5oz Thick spaghetti)
  • 200 grams Pecorino Romano (Grated)
  • Freshly cracked pepper
  • Rock salt
  • 3 liters water
Directions

Prepare the Pasta

  • 1. In a large pot, bring 3 liters of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, season the water generously with rock salt, allowing it to dissolve completely.

Cook the Spaghettoni

  • 2. Add the spaghettoni to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions indicate, ensuring it remains al dente.

Toast the Pepper

  • 3. While the pasta cooks, place a frying pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of freshly cracked pepper. Toast the pepper for a few minutes until aromatic, stirring occasionally.

Create the Cheese Mixture

  • 4. Grate 200 grams of Pecorino Romano into a bowl. Once the pepper is toasted, ladle some pasta water into the pan to create a bubbling effect. Add half a ladle of hot pasta water to the bowl with the cheese and mix with a fork or spatula until a thick paste forms.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

  • 5. When the pasta has about 3 minutes left to cook, use tongs to transfer it directly into the frying pan with the toasted pepper. Mix thoroughly, adding a cup of pasta water to the pan. If the mixture thickens too much, add more pasta water and additional cracked pepper as needed.

Finish the Dish

  • 6. After mixing for about 2 minutes, turn off the heat and add the cheese paste to the pan. Stir continuously to ensure the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce without clumping. Toss gently for another minute until the sauce is creamy and well-coated on the pasta.

Serve

  • 7. Plate your Cacio e Pepe immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures. Buon Appetito!