Description
A classic Italian pasta dish that highlights the simple yet bold flavors of Pecorino Romano cheese and freshly cracked black pepper, combined with al dente spaghetti to create a creamy, peppery sauce without the need for cream or heavy ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti (or tonnarelli)
- Salt (for pasta water)
Sauce
- 1 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- Freshly cracked black pepper (about 2 teaspoons or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional, for extra creaminess)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, coarsely grind a generous amount of black pepper (approximately 2 teaspoons) into a large skillet. Place the skillet over medium heat and toast the pepper for about 1 minute until aromatic and fragrant.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the toasted pepper. Remove the skillet from the heat and swiftly add the grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Toss the pasta vigorously to mix, adding the reserved pasta water gradually until a creamy, smooth sauce develops. Adjust by adding more pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Serve: If desired, stir in the unsalted butter to enhance creaminess. Plate the pasta immediately and garnish with extra Pecorino Romano cheese and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, as it helps emulsify the cheese and pepper into a creamy coating.
- Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor impact.
- Butter is optional but recommended for added richness.
- Serve immediately as the sauce can thicken and dry out if left standing.
- Traditionally, tonnarelli pasta is preferred for this dish, but spaghetti is a common and accessible substitute.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Cacio e Pepe, Italian pasta, Pecorino Romano, black pepper pasta, quick Italian recipe
