Authentic Cacio E Pepe Recipe

Rating 5.0
| 3
| Last Updated on February 26, 2024
This authentic cacio e pepe is simple in ingredients and technique. A luxurious cheese sauce is paired with a peppery kick for a satisfying Roman pasta dish.
Utensils Dinner
Globe Italian
5
ingredients
9
steps
20
minutes
Chef Davide always found the place where he could best express himself, communicate, and have fun was the kitchen. He began working in kitchens at age 16 and moved to Europe to explore different cuisines firsthand after graduating. He quickly landed at a culinary academy in Italy and graduated with honors. Chef Davide has since donned many chef hats, including those as a private chef, consultant, instructor and entrepreneur.

Ingredients

Servings:
2
10 oz
dried tonnarelli or spaghetti pasta
2 tbsp
butter, divided
coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
8-9 tbsp
freshly grated Pecorino Romano, see notes
4 tbsp
heavy cream, if needed, see notes
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Directions 9 steps | 20 Minutes

Step 1

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente.

Authentic Cacio E Pepe Recipe: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Step 2

In a large pan over medium heat, melt one tablespoon of butter.

Authentic Cacio E Pepe Recipe: In a large pan over medium heat, melt one tablespoon of butter.
Step 3

Add a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper and toast for about 1 minute. 

Authentic Cacio E Pepe Recipe: Add a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper and toast for about 1 minute.
Step 4

Make the pecorino cream. In a metal or glass bowl, whisk the grated Pecorino Romano cheese with a tablespoon of cold water. Place the bowl over the pot of boiling water and continuously whisk while adding more water if needed until a smooth and dense cream sauce forms. If the cheese sauce becomes stringy, whisk in the heavy cream. (See notes.)

Authentic Cacio E Pepe Recipe: Make the pecorino cream.
Step 5

Reserve ⅔ cup of pasta water and drain the pasta

Authentic Cacio E Pepe Recipe: Reserve ⅔ cup of pasta water and drain the pasta
Step 6

In the large pan with the butter and pepper, add the pasta and the reserved pasta water. Cook over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, about 2-3 minutes.

Authentic Cacio E Pepe Recipe: In the large pan with the butter and pepper, add the pasta and the reserved pasta water.
Step 7

When the pasta starts to spread out the starch and becomes creamy, turn off the heat. Add the reserved pecorino cream and the remaining tablespoon of butter.

Authentic Cacio E Pepe Recipe: When the pasta starts to spread out the starch and becomes creamy, turn off the heat.
Step 8

Continue to mix all the ingredients until you reach the desired creaminess. If the pasta looks too dry add more water. If the pasta looks too watery add more Pecorino Romano cheese. 

Authentic Cacio E Pepe Recipe: Continue to mix all the ingredients until you reach the desired creaminess.
Step 9

Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Authentic Cacio E Pepe Recipe: Serve immediately.

Notes:

  • A key factor in creating a creamy cacio e pepe is to procure a well-aged original Pecorino Romano cheese.
  • Instead of melting, your cheese will become stringy if you don't use authentic Pecorino Romano. If your cheese sauce becomes stringy, whisk in the heavy cream.

Nutrition Per Serving
View All
CALORIES
869
FAT
34.2 g
PROTEIN
30.4 g
CARBS
108.4 g
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3 Comments
3 Comments
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Carmela G.

Carmela

Cozymeal Team Member

11 Jul 2022

This is a recipe that you can recreate easily. Perfect for date nights. Uncomplicated and very tasteful.

Reply to this comment
Chris E.

Chris

09 Jul 2022

Simple, Elegant, Delicious. Need I say more?

Reply to this comment
Sam N.

Sam

08 Jul 2022

Purely divine cacio e pepe recipe. Easy to follow steps and very nice video вќ¤пёЏ

Reply to this comment