Cacio E Pepe Recipe: A Delicious And Easy Pasta Dish
Introduction
If you're looking for a simple and satisfying pasta dish, then cacio e pepe is a perfect choice. This classic Roman recipe features spaghetti or other long noodles tossed with a creamy sauce made from cheese and black pepper. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a delicious meal that's both comforting and flavorful. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of making cacio e pepe step by step, and provide some tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.Ingredients
To make cacio e pepe, you'll need the following ingredients:- 1 pound spaghetti or other long pasta
- 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup pasta cooking water
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt
Choosing the Right Cheese
One of the key ingredients in cacio e pepe is Pecorino Romano cheese, a hard, salty cheese made from sheep's milk. This cheese has a distinctive flavor that's both sharp and tangy, and it's perfect for adding depth and richness to the sauce. When selecting Pecorino Romano, look for a high-quality cheese that's been aged for at least 8 months. You can also substitute Parmesan cheese if you prefer a milder flavor.Instructions
Follow these steps to make cacio e pepe:- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over low heat.
- Add the black pepper to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the butter and pepper.
- Toss the pasta with the butter and pepper until coated.
- Add the grated cheese to the skillet and toss again until the cheese has melted and formed a creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and more black pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional grated cheese and black pepper if desired.
Tips for Success
To achieve the perfect cacio e pepe, consider these tips:- Use high-quality ingredients, including fresh pasta, good cheese, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it should be al dente and still slightly firm to the bite.
- Reserve some of the pasta cooking water to help create a creamy sauce that coats the noodles evenly.
- Be patient when melting the cheese, as it can take a few minutes to fully melt and form a smooth sauce.
Nutrition
Here's the nutritional information for one serving of cacio e pepe (based on a recipe that serves 4):- Calories: 618
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 82g
- Fiber: 4g