Cacio e Pepe Recipe - literally cheese and pepper. It only has 4 simple ingredients. I would bet that most of you have all the ingredients in your pantry right now! This only takes about 10 minutes from start to finish. It is a great side dish for a weeknight meal. It is so good that I could make a meal out of it!
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 3/4 cup pasta cooking water.
In a large skillet, melt 2 Tbsp butter. Add pepper and cook for 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to skillet and bring to a simmer. Add pasta and remaining butter.
Reduce heat to low and add 3/4 cup Parmesan, tossing with tongs until melted.
Remove pan from heat; add remaining Parmesan and toss. (Add more pasta water if sauce seems dry.) Transfer pasta to bowls and serve.
Notes:
You can use any pasta you prefer. I recommend spaghetti or bucatini.
You can use Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese. Either are delicious!
While not traditional, feel free to add prosciutto, broccoli, asparagus, or cooked chicken to the pasta.
Add as much or as little fresh black pepper to the pasta as you prefer. Sometimes I sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top too.
This pasta is best served immediately after making.