It sounds like a fancy Italian dish, but cacio e pepe is a simple dinner that's easy to make.
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 1-1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 8 ounces uncooked long pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine or fettuccine
- 1/4 cup butter, cubed, divided
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese, grana padano or pecorino romano
Instruction
- In a large saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Add pasta; cook according to package directions for al dente.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add pepper; cook and stir for 1 minute. Drain pasta, reserving 3/4 cup pasta water. Add 1/2 cup pasta water to skillet; bring to a simmer. Add cooked pasta; toss to combine. Remove skillet from the heat.
- Add cheese and remaining 2 tablespoons butter, stirring constantly until cheese is fully melted. Add additional pasta water if sauce appears too dry. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle with additional cheese.
