Authentic Roman Cacio e Pepe
A minimalist pasta dish from Rome where creamy texture emerges from cheese and pasta water alone, without cream or butter, creating a deeply satisfying umami experience. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes pairs (340g) spaghetti, freshly ground black pepper, (120ml) reserved pasta water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 315 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
- 4 oz (113g), finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup (120ml) reserved pasta water
- 2 tbsp (for pasta water) salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, adding 2 tablespoons of salt. Add 12 ounces of spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain while reserving 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 4 ounces of finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 3: Transfer the drained spaghetti to a large bowl, immediately add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and the cheese-pepper mixture, then toss vigorously for 1 minute until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce that coats every strand without clumping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Roman Cacio e Pepe take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Authentic Roman Cacio e Pepe?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (340g) spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Roman Cacio e Pepe?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Authentic Roman Cacio e Pepe for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Authentic Roman Cacio e Pepe?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
