Jul 14 2026

Cacio E Pepe Recipe

Time20m
Serves4

Pecorino Romano, parmigiano reggiano, black pepper.

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Ingredients

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Pasta

Cheese

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Boil the Pasta

    In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt and stir in the spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.

  2. 2

    Grate the Cheese

    While the pasta is cooking, finely grate both the Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses. Set aside.

  3. 3

    Prepare the Pepper

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the freshly cracked black pepper with a few tablespoons of the pasta cooking water. This will help create a creamy sauce later.

Combining

  1. 4

    Combine Pasta and Cheese

    Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti. Immediately add the hot spaghetti to the bowl with the black pepper and pasta water mixture.

  2. 5

    Create the Sauce

    Quickly add the grated Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano Reggiano to the pasta. Toss vigorously to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until a creamy sauce forms that coats the spaghetti.

  3. 6

    Serve

    Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more black pepper or cheese if desired. Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese and black pepper on top.

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