Need a super simple meal with just a few ingredients? This may be the meal you are looking for!
This is a horrible picture but it is like grown-up macaroni and cheese with black pepper.
There is a whole bunch of controversy around this dish and how it “should” be made. I am NOT saying my way is the correct way but it was simple. Some say add olive oil instead of butter, some day save some of the starchy pasta water to make the sauce smoother, others argue it is the way the pasta is stirred or twirled into the sauce that makes the difference. This is the way I did it. Seriously, Google the recipes and read the comments to see how people disagree on this dish.
Verdict:
My kids loved this and it was super simple to make. If you need a quick easy dish that is filling and flavorful this is great. Keep it simple with a fresh green salad and vegetable for the complete meal.
Cacio de Pepe
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces pasta (such as angel hair or spaghetti)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed, divided
- 2 teaspoons + freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 1\2 cups Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated (not canned)
- 2/3 cup Pecorino Cheese, freshly grated (not canned)
- 1 1/2 cups reserved pasta water
Directions:
- Cook pasta stirring occasionally, until about 2 minutes before tender. Drain, reserving 1 1\2 cups pasta cooking water.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add pepper and cook, swirling pan, until toasted, about 1 minute.
- Add 3/4 cup reserved pasta water to skillet and bring to a simmer. Add pasta and remaining butter. Reduce heat to low and add Parmesan, stirring and tossing with tongs until melted. Remove pan from heat; add Pecorino, stirring and tossing until cheese melts, sauce coats the pasta, and pasta is al dente. (Add more pasta water if sauce seems dry.) Transfer pasta to warm bowls and serve.
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Garnish with extra black pepper and cheese as desired.
What's for Dinner Moms? 
I’m pretty sure I ate this my entire time in college! It’s so good!
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Yes! And so simple!
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My family love pasta. A lovely recipe, Marci.
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Thank you so much.
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Yumm! We make something similiar with only parm. cheese. This sounds so yummy
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Thank you. No matter how you make it it is wonderful!
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yes I agree, I like this version marci
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One of my favorite quick pasta dishes. Love your version using two cheeses. 🙂
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Loved your recipe
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Thank you!
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So simple, so good!!! 😀
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Thank you!
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Simple and simply delicious!
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Thank you!
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You are welcome, Marci!
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What a great recipe for adapting. Just made it with what I have on hand, yum!
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Great!
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Simple and easy ! Looks yum !
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Thank you!
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We love this basic pasta dish – so good!
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Thanks!
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Simple tastes are perfect for kids.
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Yes! Thank you so much.
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Preparing the pasta with cheese and pepper, the real Italian one, is not easy at all! Your result here looks great!!!!! Compliments!!!!!
I would like to give an Italian tip: in the pan after toasting the pepper with the butter and adding the water from the pasta, also add the cheese and create a cream with the fire off. Then add the pasta always on an unlit fire and add ground black pepper. If you season the pasta in the hot pan with the fire, the cheese may become sticky. The secret is to make the cream first and then put the pasta, but always without a stove! Test it and tell me please. Ciao dall’Italia!
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Thank you! That is great!
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Thanks to you!! Visit my blog if you want… maybe I will inspire you some Italian ideas! See you soon!! Alessia
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