Directly translating to “cheese and pepper” in Italian, cacio e pepe is a traditional Roman dish with simple ingredients. It takes about the same amount of effort as busting open a box of Kraft and makes for a fancy weeknight meal. It will satisfy your craving for creamy, cheesy goodness but with bits of pepper that add a satisfying bite. Show off to your friends by making this for your next dinner party and get automatic bragging rights about your fancy-pants Italian cooking skills.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
8 oz. spaghetti or other long pasta
3 tablespoons butter, cubed
1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
1 teaspoon black pepper
Photo by Marissa Laliberte
Directions:
1. Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup of the water.
Photo by Marissa Laliberte
2. Put the pasta and reserved water back in the pot over low heat. Slowly add the butter, cheese and black pepper, stirring it until it melts into a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Photo by Marissa Laliberte
Photo by Marissa Laliberte
Adapted from Chow.
Looking for more cheesy pasta dishes? Try these recipes: