This pasta recipe has been my favorite for years. An easy cacio e pepe, ready in a few minutes for you to devour. I’m calling this the best recipe for cacio e pepe because of how insanely simple it is to make. It’s even a one pot recipe. And yes, it is delicious.
What is Cacio E Pepe?
Cacio e pepe means cheese and pepper. Two of my favorite cooking ingredients. To make the dish you need black pepper, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and pasta.
I began to like simple pasta dishes when I visited Italy. All of the pasta dishes were simple and without any protein. Pasta is the star of the meal in Italian culture. Did you know that chicken parmesan is an American dish we’ve grouped into Italian cuisine because it is served with pasta but did not originate in Italy?
With every restaurant we visited, I developed a deep appreciation for the simplicity of the pasta dishes. Think olive oil and pesto or olive oil and cheese. Less is more when it comes to delicious pasta.
How to Make Easy Cacio E Pepe
6 Oz Spaghetti
6 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Tsp Black Pepper
1/2 Cup Grated Pecorino Romano
1/3 Cup Parmesan (optional)
Salt (to taste)
- Boil the pasta in salted water; add the pasta to the water and stir occasionally to avoid the pasta from sticking together. Cook until 2 minutes before tender. Drain the pasta; reserve 1/3 pasta water.
- Warm the pan with the olive oil over medium-low heat. Toss in the black pepper and stir. Drop in half of the pecorino romano and stir some more. Adding the pasta water to bind the ingredients.
- Toss in the pasta, coating it with the sauce. Drop-in the rest of the pecorino romano cheese (along with the optional parmesan cheese) and mix lightly; careful not to break the pasta. Add in more pasta water if it looks dry.
- Serve and enjoy!
Wine Pairing for Cacio e Pepe
I like to enjoy a light wine with this dish. A fruity cabernet sauvignon will pair well. The combination of acidity and richness of the fruit brings all the flavors together.
May I also suggest, 8 Italian Dish and wine pairings to enhance the eating experience.
P.S. Have you ever thought of visiting Portland, Maine for its food scene? It’s the one place I am itching to visit this year.
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