Classic Cacio e Pepe
Serves 2 to 3
Ingredients
- 10 ounces spaghetti or tonnarelli
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated Pecorino Romano
- 2 1/2 teaspoons freshly toasted black pepper
- Reserved pasta water
- Kosher salt
Directions
- Toast the freshly cracked black pepper in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant. For extra depth, warm the peppercorns and a Pecorino rind in the olive oil ahead of time to infuse it.
- Cook the pasta in well salted water until just shy of al dente.
- Reserve at least 2 cups of pasta water, then drain.
- Create a Pecorino paste by whisking the grated cheese with warm, not boiling, pasta water.
- Toss the pasta with the toasted pepper and a splash of pasta water.
- Gradually work in the cheese mixture while tossing continuously.
- Adjust with a little more pasta water until glossy and creamy.
- Finish with more Pecorino and freshly ground pepper.
Chef’s Notes
One of my favorite discoveries is infusing the olive oil with a Parmesan rind and toasted peppercorns ahead of time, as in the photo above. It is not strictly traditional, but it quietly deepens the savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
Further Reading
Three ingredients, and a great deal to say. Here is the rest of the conversation.
- Two Cousins at the Italian Table. Why Cacio e Pepe is Moses, direct and confident, and why its gentler cousin is Aaron. The Torah sources behind both dishes are gathered there.
- Garlic-Infused Parmesan Pasta. The softer cousin, where boiled garlic turns sweet and creamy and Parmesan is allowed to be the star.
- Passover Chicken Matzo Balls (Kneidlach). The same lesson in a different kitchen. Two humble ingredients, nothing wasted, and a new dish at the center of the table.
- Eggplant Parmigiana (Melanzane alla Parmigiana). A slower Italian classic for the nights when you want the oven working for you.
- More Breaking Matzo recipes. The full recipe collection, from Shabbat to Passover to Sukkot.
May your table be full, your ingredients simple, and your gatherings blessed with the abundance that comes from sharing something made with care.
