Cacio e Pepe
AI-generated image
Vegetarian Italian

Cacio e Pepe

A Roman pasta classic built from sharp Pecorino Romano, freshly cracked black pepper, and starchy pasta water. The cheese emulsifies into a glossy, clingy sauce without cream.

25 min 4 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Bring the water to a boil in a large pot, then season it with the salt. Use less water than usual so the cooking water becomes especially starchy.
2
Toast the cracked black pepper in a wide, dry skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, shaking often, until fragrant. Add 120 ml of the hot pasta water and simmer for 2 minutes to infuse it.
Cracked black pepper simmering in pasta water in a skillet AI-generated image
3
Cook the spaghetti in the boiling water until just shy of al dente, about 1 minute less than the package timing. Before draining, reserve 350 ml of the cooking water.
4
Transfer the spaghetti to the skillet with the pepper infusion. Toss over medium-low heat for 1 minute, adding a splash of reserved water so the noodles finish cooking and become evenly glossy.
5
Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool for 30 seconds. Add the Pecorino Romano in three additions, tossing continuously and adding reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until the sauce is smooth and coats every strand.
Glossy spaghetti coated in a smooth Pecorino and black pepper sauce AI-generated image
6
Taste and adjust the texture with a little more pasta water if needed. Divide among four warm bowls, finish with extra black pepper, and serve immediately.

Why this recipe works

Finely grated Pecorino Romano combines with pepper-infused pasta water to form an emulsified sauce that coats the noodles. Reserving extra starchy water gives precise control over the final texture.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Cacio e pepe is best eaten immediately. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

How to reheat it

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water per serving, tossing until loosened and hot. Do not use high heat, which can make the cheese sauce grainy.

Nutrition / serving

415kcal
19.05 gprotein
60.93 gcarbs
9.87 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 17 Aug 2026 · updated 17 Aug 2026