Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe

4.6
(312)
252 Reviews
74 Photos

This spaghetti cacio e pepe recipe has been made in our family for many years, and everyone loves it. It is a very basic and easy variation on mac and cheese.

Submitted by Jennifer Torrey
Updated on January 27, 2024
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Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Servings:
4
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 1 pound spaghetti

  • 6 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper

  • 1 ¾ cups grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain spaghetti.

  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir garlic and pepper in hot oil until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add cooked spaghetti and Pecorino Romano cheese. Ladle in 1/2 cup reserved cooking water; stir until cheese is melted, about 1 minute. Stir in more cooking water as needed, 1 tablespoon at a time, until sauce coats spaghetti, about 1 minute more.

Cook’s Note

You can substitute butter for olive oil.

Adjust the amount of cooking water added in Step 2 for a thicker or thinner sauce. If you add too much water, add some more cheese.

I add flavor-enhancing ingredients like pancetta, depending on my main dish. I always experiment when creating food.

964 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

807 Calories
36g Fat
88g Carbs
32g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 807
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 36g 46%
Saturated Fat 12g 60%
Cholesterol 54mg 18%
Sodium 633mg 28%
Total Carbohydrate 88g 32%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 32g 63%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 585mg 45%
Iron 5mg 26%
Potassium 317mg 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.