15-Minute Cacio e Pepe Recipe Tastes Like It's Straight Outta Rome by Donna John

Pasta Dinner Vegetarian
2 years ago

15-Minute Cacio e Pepe Recipe Tastes Like It's Straight Outta Rome

Americans have mac and cheese. The Romans have cacio e pepe ("cheese and pepper"). While that sounds like a simple dish (and it is), the flavor and texture is beyond reproach.

I was lucky enough to eat cacio e pepe in Rome a few years ago. There are no words. This easy cacio e pepe recipe is on the table in 15 minutes.

Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2 to 3

Ingredients

Here’s how you make it:

  1. Cook the spaghetti in salted water until it’s firm, not tender. Drain and reserve 3/4 cup of the pasta cooking water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a skillet. Add the pepper and cook, stirring, about 1 minute.
  3. Add in about a 1/2 cup of pasta water and bring to a simmer. Add remaining butter and pasta. Reduce heat to low and add Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted. Add Pecorino cheese, remove pan from heat and stir until cheese melts (use tongs).
  4. Add a little more pasta water, if needed.
  5. Pour into a large pasta serving bowl and top with a sprinkling of cheese. Serve immediately.

Need help converting cooking and baking measurements? Here are some handy kitchen conversion charts. Here's how to submit your recipes to 30Seconds.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community, and follow us on Facebook to get recipes in your newsfeed daily. Inspire and be inspired.

Related Products on Amazon We Think You May Like:

30Second Mobile, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Pasta Bowls $6 & Up
Cheese Graters $4 & Up
Black Pepper $3 & Up

Ragù Alla Bolognese Recipe: This Easy Bolognese Sauce Recipe Is Italian Comfort Food at Its Finest

Turkey Meatballs Recipe With Spicy Basil & Burrata Tomato Sauce Is What's for Dinner

20-Minute Spinach Pesto Pasta Recipe: Easy Pasta With Peas & Pesto Recipe Is Dinner Fast

A Chef's Secret-Ingredient 30-Minute Macaroni & Cheese Recipe

Christine Jones
I'm making this for dinner tonight Donna John! I always wondered why my pasta with butter and cheese never tasted as good and now I see why-- it's all in step 3!
Donna John
It's crazy how Italians can take such a small amount of ingredients and make something amazing! Hope ya'll enjoy it, Chrissy Jones!
Kelli Porcaro
Oh my gosh....my kids grew up on this meal Donna John! Always a favorite in the lunch box thermos! Step 3 is the secret!! Total game changer!! : )
Christine Jones
Donna John I finally made this tonight and it was so good! I'm adding it to our rotation. And I bet the leftovers would be even better (if I had any)!
Donna John
So glad you liked it, @beyondthepark. And yes, leftovers are good, too!
Julie Rose
This sounds divine! 😋
Gwen Johnson
One of my all-time favorite dishes.
Elisa Schmitz
OMGoodness, this is a must-make for this week, thank you! #yum

join discussion

Please login to comment.

recommended tips

4-Ingredient Bacon-Wrapped Dates Recipe With Fontina Cheese Is Appetizer Perfection

Moist Irish Apple Cake Recipe: Fresh Apple Cake for Luck On St. Patrick's Day

Homemade Easter Chicks Dinner Rolls Recipe In Just One Hour

Fall Orchard Sugar-free Applesauce Recipe Is a Family Tradition