Spaghetti Cacio e pepe (Spaghetti with Black Pepper and Cheese) is a quick and easy meal that requires only 5 ingredients and will be on your table in the time it takes to cook pasta. Plus, it tastes great!
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time15 minutesmins
Total Time20 minutesmins
Course: Dinner, Entree
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: cacio e pepe, cheese, dinner, entree, Parmesan, pasta, pepper, quick and easy, spaghetti, vegetarian
1poundspaghetti(use gluten free spaghetti to make this recipe gluten free)
3Tablespoonsolive oil
1teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper,plus more to serve
3½ounces (100 grams)Parmesan cheesefinely shredded (about 1 ⅓ cups), plus more to serve
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add enough salt so that it tastes fairly salty, like seawater. Add 1 pound spaghetti to boiling water, and cook according to the directions on the package. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Meanwhile, heat 3 Tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and cook until fragrant, 30 to 60 seconds. Add ¾ cup of the reserved cooking water slowly (it will boil vigorously). Once all the water is added, stir it and let it boil for 30-60 more seconds. Add the cooked spaghetti and the shredded Parmesan, and toss until everything is evenly distributed (it is easiest to do this with tongs), adding a little more of the pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
Divide the spaghetti into individual bowls and top with additional Parmesan and black pepper.