Cacio e Pepe
Rome's iconic pasta dish, deceptively simple, relies on the perfect emulsification of Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and starchy pasta water to create a luxuriously creamy sauce without any added fat. Mastering the technique is key to its success.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Tonnarelli, spaghetti, or bucatini(Choose a good quality dried pasta. Tonnarelli is traditional, but spaghetti or bucatini work well.)
- 200 g Pecorino Romano cheese(Must be finely grated. Use a microplane or the smallest holes on a box grater. Avoid pre-grated cheese as it often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.)
- 2 tbsp Black pepper(Freshly and coarsely cracked. The aroma and flavor of freshly cracked pepper are crucial. Use a pepper mill or mortar and pestle.)
- 1 tbsp Salt(For pasta water. Adjust to taste, considering the saltiness of Pecorino Romano.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Toast the black pepper: Place the coarsely cracked black pepper in a large, dry skillet (large enough to hold the pasta later) over medium heat. Toast for 1-2 minutes, swirling the pan occasionally, until the pepper becomes highly fragrant. This awakens its essential oils and deepens the flavor. Immediately remove the pepper from the hot pan and set aside.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 2
Cook the pasta: Bring about 3 quarts (approx. 3 liters) of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, but aim for al dente – about 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests. Crucially, reserve at least 2 cups (approx. 500ml) of the starchy pasta water before draining.
⏱️ 10-12 minutes - 3
Prepare the cheese paste: While the pasta cooks, place the finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese in a medium bowl. Gradually whisk in about 1/2 cup (120ml) of the hot, starchy pasta water, a little at a time, until you form a thick, smooth paste. It should resemble a thick béchamel sauce. Ensure there are no lumps.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 4
Combine and emulsify: Drain the pasta (do not rinse) and immediately add it to the skillet containing the toasted black pepper. Add about 1/2 cup (120ml) of the reserved hot pasta water to the skillet. Toss the pasta vigorously over low heat for about 30 seconds to coat it with the pepper and water.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Create the sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat. This is critical to prevent the cheese from clumping. Add the Pecorino paste to the pasta. Toss and stir the pasta continuously and vigorously, adding more reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, as needed. The goal is to emulsify the cheese paste and pasta water into a creamy, glossy sauce that coats every strand of pasta. Continue tossing until the sauce reaches your desired consistency – it should be creamy, not watery or clumpy.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 6
Serve immediately: Divide the Cacio e Pepe among warmed serving bowls. Garnish with a little extra finely grated Pecorino Romano and a final grind of black pepper, if desired. Serve at once, as the sauce is best enjoyed fresh.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use finely grated Pecorino Romano for the smoothest sauce. Pre-grated cheese can contain anti-caking agents that prevent proper emulsification.
- ✓The starchy pasta water is your emulsifier. Do not discard it all! Reserve more than you think you'll need.
- ✓Temperature control is paramount. Removing the pan from the heat before adding the cheese paste prevents the cheese from seizing and becoming clumpy.
- ✓Toss, toss, toss! Vigorous tossing is essential for creating the creamy emulsion. Use tongs or a pasta fork to lift and stir the pasta continuously.
- ✓Taste and adjust seasoning. Pecorino Romano is salty, so you may not need much additional salt, if any.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add crispy guanciale or pancetta for a richer dish (similar to Pasta alla Gricia).
- Experiment with different types of peppercorns, such as pink peppercorns or a blend, for nuanced flavors.
- A small amount of lemon zest can add a bright counterpoint, though this is not traditional.