Craving a delicious, restaurant-quality pasta dish that’s ready in minutes? Look no further than **Cacio e Pepe**—the ultimate **pasta recipe** that’s rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavor. This traditional Roman dish requires just **three key ingredients**, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressive last-minute dinners.
Whether you're a pasta lover or new to Italian cooking, this **Cacio e Pepe recipe** will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Let’s dive in!
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## **What Is Cacio e Pepe?**
**Cacio e Pepe** (pronounced *"ka-cho eh peh-peh"*) translates to **"cheese and pepper"** in Italian. It’s a simple yet luxurious dish made with:
- **Pasta** (traditionally **tonnarelli** or spaghetti)
- **Pecorino Romano cheese** (sharp, salty, and essential!)
- **Freshly cracked black pepper**
The magic lies in the creamy, cheesy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta—**no heavy cream needed!**
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## **Easy Cacio e Pepe Recipe (USA-Friendly Version)**
### **Ingredients (Serves 2-3)**
✔ 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or bucatini
✔ 1 cup finely grated **Pecorino Romano cheese** (Parmesan works in a pinch)
✔ 1 tbsp **freshly cracked black pepper** (coarse grind)
✔ ½ cup **pasta water** (reserved)
✔ 1 tbsp **butter or olive oil** (optional, for extra creaminess)
✔ Salt (for pasta water)
### **Step-by-Step Instructions**
#### **1. Cook the Pasta**
- Bring a large pot of **salted water** to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook until **al dente** (1 minute less than package instructions).
- **Reserve ½ cup of pasta water** before draining.
#### **2. Toast the Pepper**
- In a large skillet over **medium heat**, toast the black pepper for **30 seconds** until fragrant.
- Add a splash of pasta water to create a light emulsion.
#### **3. Make the Cheese Sauce**
- Reduce heat to **low** and add **½ cup pasta water** to the skillet.
- Gradually whisk in the grated Pecorino until melted and creamy.
- If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water 1 tbsp at a time.
#### **4. Combine Pasta & Sauce**
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss vigorously.
- For extra richness, stir in **1 tbsp butter or olive oil**.
- Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of cheese and pepper.
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## **Tips for the Perfect Cacio e Pepe**
🔥 **Use freshly grated cheese** (pre-shredded won’t melt as smoothly).
🔥 **Don’t skip toasting the pepper**—it enhances the flavor!
🔥 **Keep the heat low** when mixing the cheese to avoid clumping.
🔥 **Serve right away**—this dish is best enjoyed fresh.
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## **Why You’ll Love This Pasta Recipe**
✅ **Ready in 15 minutes**—faster than takeout!
✅ **Minimal ingredients**—no fancy sauces or creams.
✅ **Restaurant-quality taste** at home.
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## **Serving Suggestions**
- Pair with a crisp **white wine** (Pinot Grigio works great).
- Add a side of **garlic bread** or a simple **arugula salad**.
- Sprinkle with **red pepper flakes** for a spicy kick.
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## **Final Thoughts**
**Cacio e Pepe** is proof that the simplest **pasta recipes** are often the best. With just cheese, pepper, and pasta, you can create a dish that’s **creamy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying**.
**Have you tried making Cacio e Pepe before? Share your tips in the comments!**
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**Meta Description:**
Learn how to make **Cacio e Pepe**—the ultimate 3-ingredient **pasta recipe**! Creamy, cheesy, and ready in 15 minutes. Perfect for easy dinners! #PastaLover
**Hashtags:**
#PastaRecipe #CacioePepe #EasyPasta #ItalianFood #ComfortFood #QuickDinner #Foodie #HomeCooking #CheeseLover #USAeats
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**Enjoy your homemade Cacio e Pepe! 🍝✨**
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