š Classic Cacio e Pepe Recipe for Authentic Italian Flavor š
Description
Mastering Cacio e Pepe: An Authentic Roman Pasta Recipe with Pecorino and Black Pepper Perfection
Indulge in a classic Italian recipe with our Cacio e Pepe, a perfect blend of creamy Pecorino Romano cheese and freshly cracked black pepper coating al dente pasta. With only a few ingredients, this authentic Roman dish is simple, delicious, and full of flavor. Discover the secrets to creating a silky, restaurant-quality sauce without cream or butter! Our recipe offers easy-to-follow steps, handy tips, and nutritional information, making it accessible for home cooks looking to recreate an Italian favorite. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this Cacio e Pepe recipe will elevate your pasta game and impress your guests.
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Ingredients
Instructions
In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil to cook the pasta.Salt generously and add spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain.
Toast the Pepper: While the pasta cooks, add freshly ground black pepper to a large skillet over medium heat. Toast for 1ā2 minutes until aromatic.
Combine Water and Pepper: Add Ā½ cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet, allowing it to simmer briefly. This creates a peppery base for the sauce.
Add Pasta and Cheese: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and remove it from the heat. Gradually sprinkle Pecorino Romano over the pasta, tossing with tongs to melt the cheese and create a creamy sauce. Adjust the sauce with more pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Serve: Plate immediately, garnishing with extra Pecorino Romano and a sprinkle of black pepper for that extra bite. Enjoy!
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 540kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Cholesterol 25mg9%
- Sodium 820mg35%
- Total Carbohydrate 75g25%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 20g40%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips for Perfect Cacio e Pepe:
- Use Freshly Ground Pepper: Freshly ground pepper offers a bolder flavor and complements the creamy Pecorino beautifully.
- Reserve Extra Pasta Water: The starchy water binds the cheese to the pasta, creating a creamy sauce without added cream.
- Work Quickly: Adding cheese over low heat helps create a smooth, emulsified sauce without clumping.
- Choose Pecorino Romano: This sheepās milk cheese is essential for authentic flavor. For a twist, try a mix of Pecorino and Parmesan.