Cacio e Pepe: How To Make A Simple Family Size Recipe

In need of a simple and easy pasta recipe to try for any season and for whatever reason? Try the beloved Roman dish called Cacio e Pepe. Surely, you’ve heard of this Roman staple in movies or seen it on a menu at your favorite Italian restaurant. Wherever you may have encountered this delicious food, there’s no doubt that you can make this dreamy, creamy meal in your own kitchen.

What is it

Cacio e Pepe, pronounced as /ka-chi-oh ee peh-peh/, is a Roman pasta dish that literally means “cheese and pepper.” It is believed that this tasty Italian favorite is actually an ancient dish created during the long travels of Roman shepherds. The pasta gave them energy for their demanding work, and the black pepper kept them warm on cold nights.

What is the best pasta for Cacio e Pepe

According to La Cucina Italiana, the traditional pasta for the classic dish is spaghetti. However, you can definitely use other types of pasta like fettuccine, linguine, tonnarelli, or whatever you have in your pantry. Just remember that this Roman cuisine is meant to be simple, so don’t overthink the pasta and cook on!

Ingredients

• ½ cup (100 grams) olive oil
• 1 box pasta (16 ounces or 500 grams)
• ¾ cup (175 grams) Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
• Salt al gusto
• Black pepper al gusto

Instructions

• 1. Boil the pasta in salted water until a little bit below al dente. Set aside ¾ cup of the pasta water.
• 2. Pour 4 tablespoons of olive oil into a pan over medium heat. Add a generous amount of black pepper and cook until toasted.
• 3. Stir in the pasta water and bring it to a simmer. Add the pasta and reduce heat.
• 4. Add the cheese and toss until melted and the sauce is creamy. Plate and serve immediately.