Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsJake's DowntownCacio E Pepe Recipe

Cacio E Pepe Recipe

Inspired by Jake's Downtown
Time30m
Serves2

Freshly made, local, spaghetti noodles served in a butter, parmesan cheese and cracked pepper sauce. Topped with a grilled chicken breast.

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Ingredients

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Pasta

Cacio E Pepe Sauce

Grilled Chicken Breast

Method

Cooking Pasta

  1. 1

    Boil Water

    In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the salt to the boiling water.

  2. 2

    Cook Spaghetti

    Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.

  3. 3

    Reserve Pasta Water

    Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.

  4. 4

    Drain Pasta

    Drain the spaghetti and set aside, but do not rinse.

Making Cacio E Pepe Sauce

  1. 5

    Melt Butter

    In the same pot used for the pasta, melt the butter over medium heat.

  2. 6

    Add Pepper

    Add the freshly cracked black pepper to the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute to release its flavor.

  3. 7

    Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Add the drained spaghetti to the pot and toss to coat the pasta in the butter and pepper.

  4. 8

    Add Parmesan

    Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, tossing continuously. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

Grilling Chicken Breast

  1. 9

    Prepare Chicken

    Rub the chicken breast with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

  2. 10

    Grill Chicken

    Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.

  3. 11

    Rest Chicken

    Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Plating

  1. 12

    Serve Pasta

    Twirl the spaghetti onto plates or into a serving bowl.

  2. 13

    Top with Chicken

    Slice the grilled chicken breast and place it on top of the spaghetti.

  3. 14

    Garnish and Enjoy

    Optional: Garnish with additional grated Parmesan and cracked pepper before serving.

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