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Quick Creamy Cacio e Pepe Spaghetti

quick creamy cacio e pepe spaghetti - featured image
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A simple, creamy, and peppery spaghetti dish ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights and comfort food lovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) dried spaghetti
  • 1 cup (about 100 g) finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper, or more to taste
  • Salt for pasta water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 4 quarts/3.8 liters). Add 8 ounces (225 g) of spaghetti and cook until al dente, usually 8-9 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of the pasta cooking water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 teaspoons of freshly cracked black pepper and toast for about 1 minute, until fragrant (but not burnt).
  3. Pour about ½ cup (120 ml) of the reserved hot pasta water into the skillet with the toasted pepper. Bring to a simmer and reduce slightly, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing quickly to coat the noodles in the peppery water. Remove from heat.
  5. Slowly sprinkle in 1 cup (100 g) finely grated Pecorino Romano while tossing the pasta vigorously with tongs or a wooden spoon until a creamy sauce forms.
  6. If the sauce seems too thick or clumpy, add a splash more reserved pasta water and toss again to achieve a smooth, creamy coating.
  7. Optional: drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil for extra silkiness. Plate immediately, adding extra grated cheese and black pepper to taste.

Notes

Use finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese to avoid clumping. Toast freshly cracked black pepper to release essential oils. Reserve more pasta water than needed to adjust sauce consistency. Work quickly when combining cheese and pasta off the heat to prevent sauce from seizing. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta; for vegan, substitute cheese with vegan Parmesan and use olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: cacio e pepe, spaghetti, quick pasta, creamy pasta, Italian pasta, weeknight dinner, easy recipe, Pecorino Romano, black pepper

Find it online: https://nanarecipes.info/quick-creamy-cacio-e-pepe-spaghetti-recipe-perfect-for-busy-nights/