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    Home » Recipes » Quick and Easy Cacio e Pepe

    Quick and Easy Cacio e Pepe

    January 7, 2023 by Melinda

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Cacio e pepe is Italian is translated to “cheese and pepper”. My family has been making Cacio e pepe for years…we just didn’t know it.

    What is Cacio e Pepe?

    Cacio e pepe is a very simple Italian dish that has several variations, none of which consist of more than 6 ingredients: pasta, pasta water, butter, salt, pepper, and Parmesan (or Pecorino Romano). Occasionally, you’ll see an egg yolk thrown in, reminiscent of a carbonara. The most common and simplistic variation is pasta, pasta water, salt, pepper, and Pecorino/Parmesan cheese.

     
    Missouri-Girl-Cacio-e-pepe.png

    Why make cacio e pepe?

    As the mom of the ultimate picky eater, we are always looking for dinner choices that are quick, easy, filling, and picky eater approved.

    Enter Cacio e pepe…or as we call it in our house “butter noodles”.

    We started making these noodles for my youngest daughter whenever we would have pasta for dinner. We would just separate the noodles from our meal, add a little butter and salt, then top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It is surprisingly delicious and so incredibly simple.

    Easy 15 minutes meal idea

    What’s even better? It can be on the table in 15 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight meal.

    I am a huge fan of 15 minutes meals.  If you love quick and easy weeknight meals as well then check out this Cheeseburger Quesadilla.

    How to make Cacio e Pepe?

    Start by filling a medium pot halfway with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring to a boil. Add ½ lb spaghetti noodles. Boil until barely al dente, about 6 minutes. It should have a very firm bite, but not be crunchy.

     
    pasta
     

    Next, add 1 heaping teaspoon of freshly ground pepper to a large skillet.

     
    Missouri-girl-blooming-pepper.jpeg
     

    Add 2 tablespoon of butter.

     
    Missouri-girl-pepper-and-butter.jpeg
     

    Heat over medium low heat until butter is melted.

     
    Missouri-Girl-pepper-and-butter.jpeg
     

    Reserve 1 ½ cups pasta water and add to the skillet with the butter and pepper. Increase heat to medium until water comes to a simmer.

     
    Missouri-Girl-blog-starch-water.jpeg
     

    After about 6 minutes drain the pasta.

     
    Missouri-girl-noodles.jpeg
     

    Add pasta to the skillet.

     
    Missouri-girl-noodles-in-starch-water.jpeg
     

    Cook until liquid is absorbed, about 2-3 minutes

     
    Missouri-Girl-blog-noodles-in-starch-water.jpeg
     

    Add 2 oz freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan Cheese. Stir well until cheese is melted.

     
    Cacio e pepe. Butter noodles
     

    Enjoy!

    If your looking for another quick and easy weeknight pasta, then check out this Homemade White Mac and Cheese. 

     
    Cacio e pepe. Butter noodles
    cheese and pepper noodles, close up (cacio e pepe)

    Cacio e Pepe: Cheese and Pepper Noodles

    Melinda | Missouri Girl
    Cacio e Pepe is a very simple 15 minute Italian dish that is as delicious as it is easy
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 4

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ lb uncooked spaghetti noodles
    • ½ tablespoon salt
    • 1 ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
    • 2 tablespoon salted butter
    • 1 ½ cups pasta water
    • 2 ounces Pecorino Romano or Parmesan Cheese grated
    • additional freshly ground pepper and cheese for garnish optional

    Instructions
     

    • Fill a medium sauce pan halfway with water.
    • Add the salt to the water and bring to a boil over medium high heat.
    • Add the spaghetti noodles and boil until al dente, about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • Meanwhile add the freshly ground pepper to a large skillet.
    • Add the butter.
    • Heat over medium low heat until butter is melted.
    • Add 1 ½ cups of the pasta water to the skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
    • Drain the pasta and add to skillet. Increase heat to medium high and cook until the liquid is absorbed, about 3 minutes.
    • Check the pasta for tenderness, continue cooking if too firm.
    • Add the grated cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and coats the noodles.
    • Plate and finish with extra freshly ground pepper and cheese if desired.
    Keyword 15 minute meals, easy pasta recipe, quick pasta recipe
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    Melinda at countertop of MissouriGirl.com I’m Melinda. I’m a wife, mother, physical therapist, runner, and a born and bred Missouri Girl. I love creating a cozy home on a budget and created Missouri Girl Home to bring inspiring, beautiful, and budget-friendly ideas to your home. Read more about Mel.

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