Quick and Easy Cacio e Pepe

If you're looking for a quick and easy cacio e pepe recipe, this is it! A simple pasta dinner that's done in under 20 minutes.

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This is such a quick and simple pasta recipe.

It's only 5 ingredients. 5 easy ingredients are all you need for this homemade cacio e pepe. I always prefer to add garlic, but if you don't, then this is a 4 ingredient pasta recipe.

It is so easy to whip together. Seriously so easy! Don't let the name scare you, this is one of the easiest pasta dishes to make, in my opinion.

It is such a cozy comfort meal. Seriously nothing is better than cozying up with a warm bowl of pasta with a homemade sauce.

Let's start with cacio e pepe pronunciation

Here's how to pronounce cacio e pepe: kaa-chee-ow eh peh-pay. Now that you know how to properly pronounce it, let's dive in.

What is cacio e pepe sauce made of?

Garlic. You don't need garlic for cacio e pepe, but I always add garlic to my pasta recipes. That's just the type of person I am.

Butter. This sauce is so creamy, but the only dairy ingredient in this homemade cacio e pepe sauce is butter!

Pepper. You need the pepe portion, use black pepper for this recipe.

Pecorino Romano. An authentic cacio e pepe recipe does call for pecorino romano, but you could also use parmesan, too.

Pasta. Naturally, you'll need pasta. You can opt for a bucatini or spaghetti noodle.

Pecorino Romano vs. Parmesan

What is the difference between pecorino romano and parmesan cheese? They are both similar in taste and feel, they're both salty yet hard cheeses. However, the difference is that pecorino romano is made with sheep's milk and parmesan is made with cow's milk.

Can I use parmesan instead of pecorino?

Technically, cacio is what they call pecorino romano in Italy. So, the name of this pasta is literally pecorino romano and pepper. However, in my boos, you can absolutely use parmesan. Call it inauthentic, but I call it whatever is easiest for you.

How long does cacio e pepe take to cook?

It doesn't take long at all! I can say this is done in under 20 minutes.

How to make this easy pasta recipe?

1. Boil your pasta water and while that is coming to a boil, melt your butter in a large frying pan. Mince your garlic and add it to the butter. Let the garlic brown over medium-low heat in the melted butter.
2. Cook your pasta al dente (5-7 minutes) and then put it directly into the frying pan over your butter and garlic.
3. Add in your cheese, pepper and pasta water. Stir until the cheese is melted and your sauce evenly covers all your pasta.
4. Top with additional pepper and cheese.
5. Enjoy!

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Want some more pasta recipes?

• Easy Pesto Tortellini Salad
• Oven-Ready Lasagna
• Sweet Corn and Burrata Ravioli

Easy Cacio e Pepe

If you're looking for a quick and easy cacio e pepe recipe, this is it! A simple pasta dinner that's done in under 20 minutes.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

• 16 oz. spagehtti
• 6 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup pecorino romano
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• ¼ cup pasta water

Instructions

 

• Boil your pasta water and while that is coming to a boil, melt your butter in a large frying pan. Mince your garlic and add it to the butter. Let the garlic brown over medium-low heat in the melted butter.
• Cook your pasta al dente (5-7 minutes) and then put it directly into the frying pan over your butter and garlic.
• Add in your cheese, pepper and pasta water. Stir until the cheese is melted and your sauce evenly covers all your pasta.
• Top with additional pepper and cheese.
• Enjoy!