Cacio e Pepe (pasta with pecorino)
Simple and fast classic Italian pasta with Pecorino and Pepper
There are only 5 ingredients in Cacio e Pepe — and the truth is you can get away with just 3 to make this sauce: Pecorino, pepper, and butter.
Why do we love Cacio e Pepe?
A simple cheesy sauce that wraps the pasta — it can never be wrong. Kids love it, adults love it. It's just perfect.
You might call it the Italian version of Mac and Cheese, and you wouldn't be far off — but Cacio e Pepe has a certain kick of flavor that will make you cry from happiness.
I have to admit I've been making this dish for my kids for quite a while now. They love it — they call it "white sauce pasta." I go easy on the pepper, but it's just a great solution for a spontaneous dinner.
The Method of Cooking Cacio e Pepe
I'd say there are a few ways to cook this sauce. It really depends on who you ask and your personal preference.
If you like a smooth, silky sauce, make it in the pan — melt the Pecorino together with butter and pasta water right there in the pan, then add the pasta straight into the sauce.
That way the sauce comes together perfectly and reduces, making it a bit thicker.
If you prefer a grainier sauce, take some of the pasta water and add it to a bowl with the Pecorino and pepper. Mix it well (or use a hand blender), then immediately add the pasta.
Say cheese!
The original recipe uses only Pecorino, but you can replace half of it with Parmesan for an extra depth of flavor.
It's important that the cheese is at room temperature so it combines better with the hot pasta water — less of a shock that way.
Give it a go — you'll be surprised how few ingredients can make such a great pasta.
Method
- 1
cook pasta· + - 8 min
Bring a large pot (at least 5 liters) of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook according to package directions minus 1 minute. Drain pasta, reserving 2 cups of the cooking water.
- 2
prepare the sauce· 5 minutes
Place the cheese mix in a bowl and add some of the pasta water to create a smooth silky cheese sauce and stir vigorously. Add the pepper and mix the pasta with the sauce., add the pasta and butter. In some cases, if the sauce is not smooth you can add the sauce to a pan stir and evaporate some of the water.
- 3
serve
Make sure the sauce is covering the pasta and grate some more Parmesan cheese and serve.
Jaron Kimhi
Jaron Kimhi — self-taught home cook from Tel Aviv, writing and cooking every recipe on this site himself. 20+ years of tinkering in the kitchen, leaning toward slow cooking, classic technique, and honest ingredients.
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