Authentic Cacio e Pepe Recipe with 3 Ingredients

Authentic Cacio e Pepe Recipe – There is nothing more simple, classic, and satisfying as the Cacio e Pepe pasta dish! It is an incredibly flavorful pasta dish that originates from Rome. With just a few key ingredients, you can create a dish that you will make over and over again.

What is Cacio e Pepe?

Cacio e Pepe, which translates to “cheese and pepper” in English, is a traditional Roman pasta dish. It is known for its simplicity, relying on just a few ingredients to create a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

Ingredients for Classic Cacio e Pepe Recipe:

• spaghetti, bucatini or tonnarelli (tonnarelli is the traditional pasta for Cacio de Pepe)
• freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese (grate it as finely as possible)
• freshly ground black pepper (coarsely ground, you can add more to taste)
• salt for the pasta water

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, in a large skillet, toast the black pepper over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
3. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
4. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the toasted black pepper and toss to coat.
5. Gradually add the grated Pecorino Romano cheese, tossing the pasta continuously to create a creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
6. Taste and season with salt if needed. Remember that Pecorino Romano cheese is naturally salty, so be cautious with the amount of salt you add.
7. Serve immediately and garnish with additional grated Pecorino Romano cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Tips for Success:

Here are a few tips to ensure that your Cacio e Pepe turns out perfectly:

• Use high-quality ingredients. Since this dish relies on just a few simple ingredients, it’s important to use the best quality cheese and pasta you can find.
• Grate your cheese fresh. Pre-grated cheese often contains additives that can affect the texture and flavor of the sauce.
• Reserve pasta water. The starchy pasta water helps to create a creamy sauce, so be sure to save some before draining the pasta.
• Toss continuously. This helps to evenly distribute the cheese and create a smooth and creamy sauce.
• Adjust seasoning. Taste the dish before adding salt, as the Pecorino Romano cheese is already salty. Add salt only if necessary.

This Cacio e Pepe recipe is classic and in its purest authentic form. However, it is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of ingredients. You can add cooked pancetta or bacon for a touch of smokiness or toss in some sautéed vegetables to make it a more substantial meal. However, you choose to enjoy it, this classic Roman dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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Yield: 4 Servings

Cacio e Pepe Recipe with 3 Ingredients

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Authentic Cacio e Pepe Recipe - There is nothing more simple, classic, and satisfying as the Cacio e Pepe pasta dish!

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Ingredients

• 12 ounces of spaghetti, bucatini or tonnarelli (tonnarelli is the traditional pasta for Cacio de Pepe)
• 1 cup of freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese (grate it as finely as possible)
• 1 - 2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper (coarsely ground, you can add more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt for the pasta water

Instructions

• Use high-quality ingredients. Since this dish relies on just a few simple ingredients, it's important to use the best quality cheese and pasta you can find.
• Grate your cheese fresh. Pre-grated cheese often contains additives that can affect the texture and flavor of the sauce.
• Reserve pasta water. The starchy pasta water helps to create a creamy sauce, so be sure to save some before draining the pasta.
• Toss continuously. This helps to evenly distribute the cheese and create a smooth and creamy sauce.
• Adjust seasoning. Taste the dish before adding salt, as the Pecorino Romano cheese is already salty. Add salt only if necessary.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 308Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 824mgCarbohydrates: 47gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 15g

Calories are estimated and may vary.

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