Print

Bucatini Cacio E Pepe

Bucatini Cacio E Pepe
Print Recipe

Bucatini Cacio E Pepe is a classic Italian pasta dish that combines simple ingredients—bucatini pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper—into a creamy, peppery, and comforting meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. The hollow bucatini noodles perfectly capture the silky cheese sauce, delivering bold yet balanced flavors ideal for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 400g Bucatini pasta
  • 150g Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • Olive oil (optional), 1 tablespoon
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bucatini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the bucatini. Cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Before draining, reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Toast the Black Pepper: While the pasta cooks, heat a dry pan over medium heat and toast the freshly cracked black pepper for about one minute until fragrant, enhancing its flavor.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pan, add a small amount of reserved pasta water and the finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Stir vigorously off the heat until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth, forming the signature Cacio E Pepe sauce.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the drained bucatini to the pan and toss with the cheese and black pepper sauce. Add additional pasta water as needed to create a silky and even coating that clings to each strand.
  5. Serve Immediately: Plate the pasta while hot to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest state. Garnish generously with extra Pecorino Romano and freshly cracked black pepper for an added burst of flavor.

Notes

  • Use Pecorino Romano cheese fresh and finely grated for the best melt and sharp flavor; avoid pre-grated cheese.
  • Reserve pasta water as its starch content is essential to emulsify and bind the sauce perfectly.
  • Always use freshly cracked black pepper for vibrant aroma and heat; pre-ground pepper lacks this quality.
  • Work quickly when mixing cheese and pasta water off the heat to prevent clumping and create a creamy sauce.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its freshest and creamiest.

Nutrition

Keywords: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe, Italian pasta, bucatini recipe, cacio e pepe, quick dinner, creamy pepper pasta

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/bucatini-cacio-e-pepe/