Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsRoyals Hot ChickenRigatoni Cacio E Pepe Recipe

Rigatoni Cacio E Pepe Recipe

Inspired by Royals Hot Chicken
Time30m
Serves4

pecorino, buttermilk whey, black pepper

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Ingredients

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Pasta

Cacio e Pepe Sauce

Method

Cooking the Pasta

  1. 1

    Boil the Water

    Fill a large pot with water, add the tablespoon of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil.

  2. 2

    Cook the Rigatoni

    Add the rigatoni pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes.

  3. 3

    Reserve Pasta Water

    Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Then, drain the pasta in a colander.

Preparing the Cacio e Pepe Sauce

  1. 4

    Mix Cheese and Whey

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated Pecorino Romano cheese and buttermilk whey.

  2. 5

    Add Black Pepper

    Add the freshly ground black pepper to the cheese and whey mixture. Stir well to combine.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

  1. 6

    Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Add the drained rigatoni to the bowl with the cheese and whey mixture.

  2. 7

    Adjust Consistency

    Pour in the reserved pasta water gradually, stirring until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta. You may not need all the water.

  3. 8

    Serve

    Taste and adjust seasoning with more black pepper if desired. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Pecorino cheese on top.

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