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Creamy Cacio e Pepe for Two Easy Recipe with Fresh Cracked Pepper

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A quick and easy creamy pasta dish for two featuring freshly cracked black pepper and Pecorino Romano cheese, delivering a rich, peppery, and silky sauce without cream.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) spaghetti
  • 1 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese (about 100 grams)
  • 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter
  • Salt for pasta water

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 quarts (4 liters) of salted water to a rolling boil in a medium pot. Add 6 ounces (170 grams) of spaghetti and cook until just shy of al dente — about 8 minutes or according to package instructions minus 1 minute.
  2. Before draining, scoop out 1 cup (240 ml) of the starchy pasta water and set aside. Then drain the pasta.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat 2 teaspoons of freshly cracked black pepper in a large skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Add 2 tablespoons (28 grams) of unsalted butter to the skillet with the toasted pepper. Stir until melted and combined.
  5. Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta in the butter and pepper mixture.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle 1 cup (100 grams) of grated Pecorino Romano cheese evenly over the pasta. Slowly add about ½ cup (120 ml) of the reserved hot pasta water, stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Add more pasta water little by little as needed.
  7. Taste and add salt if needed. Give everything a final toss and serve immediately.

Notes

Use freshly cracked black pepper for best flavor. Keep stirring when adding cheese and pasta water to prevent clumping and achieve a silky sauce. Avoid pre-ground pepper and pre-grated cheese. Use hot pasta water to emulsify the sauce. Serve immediately for best texture. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, substitute vegan hard cheese and olive oil for butter.

Nutrition

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

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