Grandpa Joe's
Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e Pepe, or Cheese and Pepper, is a classic Roman pasta.

About this recipe

Cacio e Pepe is as simple as it gets!  If you like pepper, you will love this tangy, creamy, pasta experience.

Ingredients

  • ½ pound bucatini
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup pasta cooking liquid
  • ½ cup freshly grated pecorino Romano cheese

Directions

  1. Cook the pasta until al dente.
  2. In a separate sauté  pan, on low-medium heat, add the butter, oil, and ½ of the pepper and allow the butter to melt.
  3. When the pasta is done, add a bit of the cooking liquid to the sauce and swirl the pan to mix.  
  4. Turn heat to low, add the pasta, and toss once.
  5. Remove from the heat and add the cheese and remaining pepper.  Toss the pasta again in the pan.
  6. Plate, and top with a sprinkle more of pepper and cheese.
Cacio e Pepe with Ziti.

Notes

  • Cacio e Pepe is classically prepared with bucatini, but as you can see in the picture, any type of pasta can be used.
Posted: February 2014.