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Creamy Cacio e Pepe

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Creamy Cacio e Pepe is an irresistible twist on the classic Roman pasta dish. Traditional Cacio e Pepe is a simple combination of pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper, but this version adds a rich, velvety creaminess to the sauce. The creamy texture elevates the flavors, making it a luxurious yet comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal or entertaining guests, Creamy Cacio e Pepe is sure to impress with its smooth, cheesy sauce and perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

You’ll need these simple ingredients for Creamy Cacio e Pepe:

  • 12 oz spaghetti or bucatini
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • Salt (for pasta water)
  • Extra black pepper for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 9-10 minutes. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce:

  1. Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the freshly cracked black pepper and toast it for about 1 minute until fragrant. This step brings out the full flavor of the pepper.
  2. Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer, stirring occasionally to combine. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  3. Mix in Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the grated Pecorino Romano cheese, stirring constantly until it melts into a creamy, smooth sauce.

Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

  1. Add the Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more black pepper or salt, if needed.

Serve and Garnish:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Serve the creamy Cacio e Pepe immediately, garnished with extra freshly cracked black pepper and additional grated Pecorino Romano cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

Equipment

Nutrition

Find it online: https://succulentrecipes.com/creamy-cacio-e-pepe/