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Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e pepe is a classic Italian pasta dish that's as easy to prepare as it is delicious. With just three main ingredients—spaghetti, Pecorino Romano cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper—this recipe delivers a rich, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dinner party dish, cacio e pepe combines simplicity with sophistication. In under 20 minutes, you can create a comforting bowl of goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 560
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 1 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • Salt for boiling water

Method
 

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add salt until it's heavily seasoned, and bring to a rolling boil.
  2. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally.
  3. While pasta cooks, combine 1 cup of grated Pecorino Romano cheese with black pepper in a bowl.
  4. Reserve about 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
  5. Drain spaghetti (do not rinse) and quickly toss it with the cheese mixture while adding reserved pasta water gradually until creamy.
  6. Plate your cacio e pepe, garnish with extra Pecorino Romano and cracked pepper, then enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup (approximately 200g)Calories: 560kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 18gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 600mgFiber: 3g

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