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Cacio e Pepe for Two

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A quick and easy creamy Pecorino Romano cheese and toasted black pepper pasta sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner for two.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 ounces (170 g) spaghetti or bucatini
  • 1 cup (100 g) finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, toasted
  • Salt for pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 6 ounces (170 g) of spaghetti or bucatini. Cook until just shy of al dente—about 8 minutes (check package for exact time).
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper and toast for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly darkened. Be careful not to burn it.
  3. Just before draining, scoop out 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta but do not rinse.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (100 g) finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese and 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream with the reserved pasta water. Whisk vigorously until smooth and creamy. Add more pasta water if needed to reach silky consistency.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with toasted pepper and 2 tablespoons (28 g) softened unsalted butter. Toss gently over low heat for 1-2 minutes until butter melts and coats the pasta evenly.
  6. Remove skillet from heat. Immediately pour the creamy Pecorino sauce over the pasta. Toss quickly with tongs or a pasta fork to combine, ensuring every strand is coated.
  7. Serve immediately while hot and creamy. Optionally, sprinkle extra Pecorino and cracked black pepper on top.

Notes

If sauce clumps or seizes, add a splash more pasta water while tossing to keep it smooth. Use hot pasta water to bind cheese and sauce. Toast pepper gently to avoid bitterness. For dairy-free, substitute butter and cream with vegan alternatives. Gluten-free pasta can be used but adjust cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: cacio e pepe, creamy pasta, Pecorino Romano, black pepper pasta, easy dinner, Italian pasta, quick pasta recipe

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/cacio-e-pepe-for-two-recipe-easy-creamy-pecorino-sauce-dinner/