Cacio e Pepe: Cheese and Pepper Noodles
Cacio e Pepe is a very simple 15 minute Italian dish that is as delicious as it is easy
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.