Easy Beginner Cacio e Pepe Recipe 3-Ingredient Authentic Roman Pasta
A simple and authentic Roman pasta dish made with just three ingredients: spaghetti, Pecorino Romano cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick, cozy, and delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti
- 1 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese (about 100 grams)
- 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
- Water and salt for boiling pasta
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8 to 9 minutes. Reserve 1 to 1½ cups (240 to 360 ml) of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 teaspoons of freshly cracked black pepper and toast for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Pour about ½ cup (120 ml) of the reserved hot pasta water into the skillet with the toasted pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually sprinkle in the finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or tongs to form a creamy sauce. Add more reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick, until smooth and silky.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss vigorously to coat every strand evenly over low heat to prevent clumping. Add a splash more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Taste and adjust with additional cracked pepper if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Finely grate the Pecorino Romano cheese to avoid clumps and ensure a silky sauce. Toast the black pepper gently to enhance flavor without burning. Use reserved starchy pasta water to create a creamy sauce without cream or butter. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently with a splash of water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (half the
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 13.5
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 62.5
- Fiber: 2.5
- Protein: 19
Keywords: cacio e pepe, Roman pasta, easy pasta recipe, 3-ingredient pasta, Pecorino Romano, black pepper pasta, authentic Italian, beginner pasta recipe