Stovetop Cacio e Pepe with Black Pepper and Pecorino
A classic Roman pasta dish combining peppery heat and tangy Pecorino cheese for a simple yet flavor-packed meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti, salt, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, 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 spaghetti
- 1 tbsp for pasta water salt
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tbsp salt. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper and toast for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with 1 cup reserved pasta water and 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Toss vigorously with tongs for 2 minutes until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce coating every strand, adjusting with more pasta water if needed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stovetop Cacio e Pepe with Black Pepper and Pecorino 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 Stovetop Cacio e Pepe with Black Pepper and Pecorino?
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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stovetop Cacio e Pepe with Black Pepper and Pecorino?
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 Stovetop Cacio e Pepe with Black Pepper and Pecorino for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
Is Stovetop Cacio e Pepe with Black Pepper and Pecorino vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and authentic. The black pepper really elevated the dish.
- ★★★★★
Best cacio e pepe I've ever made. Will be a staple in my kitchen.
- ★★★★★
The creaminess was perfect! Made for my family and they loved it.
