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Easy Creamy Authentic Cacio e Pepe Recipe Perfect for Beginners

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A simple and authentic Italian pasta dish made with just pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper, delivering a creamy and peppery sauce without any cream. Perfect for quick, comforting dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 400g (14 oz) spaghetti or tonnarelli pasta
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper, plus extra for garnish
  • Salt for pasta water (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water (about 4 quarts) to a rolling boil. The water should taste like the sea.
  2. Add the pasta and cook for 7-8 minutes until just shy of al dente, stirring occasionally.
  3. Reserve about 1 ½ cups (350 ml) of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  4. In a large skillet over medium heat, toast the freshly cracked black pepper for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Add about ½ cup (120 ml) of reserved pasta water to the skillet and warm for 30 seconds.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the pepper water mixture over low heat.
  7. Gradually sprinkle in the finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese, stirring continuously with tongs or a wooden spoon. Add more pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to loosen the sauce and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
  8. Keep tossing until the cheese melts and clings to the pasta, forming a silky sauce. Add more pasta water if the sauce looks dry or clumpy.
  9. Optional: drizzle 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil for extra richness.
  10. Remove from heat, plate immediately, and finish with an extra sprinkle of black pepper and Pecorino Romano if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Use freshly cracked black pepper for best flavor. Do not overcook pasta; it should be slightly under al dente. Reserve enough pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Grate cheese finely to avoid clumping. Toss pasta off direct heat to melt cheese gently. Add pasta water gradually to achieve silky sauce consistency. If sauce clumps, add warm water and stir vigorously.

Nutrition

Keywords: cacio e pepe, Italian pasta, creamy pasta, Pecorino Romano, black pepper pasta, easy pasta recipe, authentic Italian, quick dinner

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/easy-creamy-authentic-cacio-e-pepe-recipe-perfect-for-beginners/