Italian Cacio e Pepe Recipe Authentic Roman Pasta with Pecorino & Black Pepper
Cacio e Pepe is one of the most iconic pasta dishes from Italy. Originating in Rome, this simple yet elegant recipe uses just a handful of ingredients—pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and pasta water—to create a creamy, flavorful sauce without using butter or cream. The result is a silky, cheesy pasta with a bold peppery kick that perfectly highlights the quality of each ingredient.
Perfect for a quick lunch or comforting dinner, Cacio e Pepe is ready in under 25 minutes and showcases the beauty of authentic Italian cooking. Pair it with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Cooking Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente.
- Reserve 1½ cups of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, toast the black pepper in a large skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to the skillet.
- In a bowl, mix the grated Pecorino Romano with a little warm pasta water to form a smooth paste.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and gradually stir in the cheese mixture, adding more reserved pasta water as needed to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Toss continuously until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with extra Pecorino Romano and freshly cracked black pepper.
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