Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe is the ultimate Italian comfort dish with just four ingredients. This Roman classic delivers a rich, creamy, peppery sauce without any heavy cream—just pasta water, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper. Simple, yet delicious!
🔥 Prep Time: 5 minutes | 🍽️ Cook Time: 15 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 20 minutes | 🍴 Servings: 2
Ingredients:
- 200g (7 oz) spaghetti
- 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated
- 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Let’s Cook!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until just al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
Toast the pepper: In a large pan over medium heat, toast the black pepper for 30 seconds to release its flavor.
Make the sauce: Add ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to the pan, then toss in the drained spaghetti. Gradually sprinkle in the Pecorino Romano while stirring constantly to create a creamy sauce.
Adjust & Serve: Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Serve immediately with extra cheese and black pepper on top!
🍝 “Creamy, peppery, and full of flavor—this Roman classic proves that simple is best!”
Tips & Variations:
Use finely grated cheese: This ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce.
No Pecorino? Try Parmesan, but Pecorino gives the authentic sharp taste.
Make it extra creamy: Add more pasta water while tossing.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 450 | Fat: 15g | Carbs: 60g | Protein: 18g
📸 Tried this Roman classic? Tag @Smoothly_Cooking and share your delicious dish! 🇮🇹✨