Creamy Cacio e Pepe Pasta – Easy Italian Dinner

 Craving a delicious pasta dinner? This Creamy Cacio e Pepe Pasta combines spaghetti, Pecorino Romano cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper for a rich, silky sauce.

With just a few ingredients, this classic Italian dish is perfect for a quick and comforting dinner.

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1½ cups finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 1½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• Salt, for pasta water
• 1 cup reserved pasta water, as needed

Instructionss

1. Cook spaghetti in lightly salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Toast black pepper in a large skillet over low heat for 30 seconds.
3. Add ½ cup pasta water and the cooked spaghetti. Toss gently.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Gradually add finely grated Pecorino Romano, tossing continuously. Add small splashes of warm pasta water until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Serve immediately with extra black pepper and cheese.

Tips

Use freshly grated Pecorino Romano for the best texture. Keep the skillet off the heat when adding cheese to prevent clumping.

Final Thoughtse

Cacio e Pepe proves that simple ingredients can create an incredibly satisfying meal. It's an easy Italian classic worth making again and again!

Would you try this creamy pasta? Let us know in the comments!