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One-Pot Cacio e Pepe — Italian Pasta recipe, 20 min, serves 4Italian

One-Pot Cacio e Pepe

Published ·Updated ·by ·✓ Editorially Reviewed
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Vegetarian

This one-pot cacio e pepe delivers the classic Roman combination of sharp Pecorino Romano and freshly cracked black pepper in a silky, starchy sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti. With just a handful of ingredients and one pot, you get restaurant-quality results in about 20 minutes.

20
min
5
prep
🔥
15
cook
👥
4
servings
480
kcal / serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

1

Toast the black pepper in a dry pot over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute.

1:00
💡 Use a coarse grind for the best texture.
2

Add the water, olive oil, and salt to the pot and bring to a boil.

5:00
3

Add the spaghetti and cook, stirring frequently, until al dente and most of the water has been absorbed.

8:00
💡 Stir often to prevent sticking and to build starchy water.
4

Remove the pot from heat and let it cool for 1 minute, then add the grated Pecorino Romano in batches, tossing vigorously to create a creamy sauce.

1:00
💡 Adding cheese off the heat stops it from clumping.
5

Serve immediately with an extra crack of black pepper and more Pecorino on top.

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Common Questions

Can I use Parmesan instead of Pecorino Romano?
You can, but Pecorino Romano gives the authentic sharp, salty flavor. A mix of both works well too.
Why is my cheese clumping?
The pasta is likely too hot. Remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before adding the cheese, and toss constantly.
What pasta shape works best?
Spaghetti or tonnarelli are traditional, but rigatoni and bucatini also work well.

What to drink with this

🍷
Wine
Chianti Classico or Barbera d'Asti — Italy's medium-bodied reds match tomato acidity perfectly.
🍺
Beer
Italian pilsner like Peroni Nastro Azzurro.
🍸
Cocktail
Aperol Spritz — bitter-sweet aperitif balances rich pasta.
🥤
Non-alcoholic
Sparkling water with lemon and a sprig of basil.
The story behind this recipe ▾
Cacio e pepe is one of Rome's most iconic pasta dishes, dating back centuries. The name literally translates to "cheese and pepper," and the beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Mastering the emulsion of cheese and starchy water is the key to a perfect cacio e pepe.
This recipe is for inspiration only. We do not provide food safety, storage, or nutritional advice. Always follow your local food safety guidelines. Check all ingredients for allergens.
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