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Saucy Rome Cacio e Pepe with Fresh Salad

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Experience a delightful twist on the classic Roman dish Cacio e Pepe. This version embraces a creamy, saucy finish while maintaining its signature flavors of pecorino Romano and cracked black pepper. It's a plate of pure comfort, served alongside a vibrant, fresh salad that balances richness with brightness. Feel free to experiment with the pasta shape or adjust the cheese levels to suit your taste!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Europe
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 615

Ingredients
  

  • 320 g spaghetti
  • 150 g pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated
  • 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 50 g unsalted butter
  • 500 ml pasta cooking water (reserved)
  • to taste Salt
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped optional
  • for serving Extra cracked black pepper optional

Equipment

  • Deep fryer or large pot
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Tongs
  • Serving plates
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Reserve 500 ml of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely grated pecorino Romano cheese with cracked black pepper. Gradually whisk in 200 ml of the reserved pasta water until a smooth, creamy sauce forms.
  3. Combine: In the same pot used for cooking the pasta, melt the butter over low heat. Add the cooked spaghetti and pour the cheese mixture over it. Toss quickly using tongs to combine, adding more reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a saucy consistency. Aim for a creamy, enveloping texture.
  4. Taste and Season: Adjust seasoning with salt as needed and keep tossing until the spaghetti is well coated.
  5. Plate: Serve the saucy Cacio e Pepe immediately on warm plates. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra cracked black pepper if desired. Pair it with a fresh side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.

Nutrition

Calories: 615kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 21gFat: 26gSodium: 450mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 405IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 280mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

Feel free to swap spaghetti for your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine or bucatini, for a different experience.
If you're looking to lighten the dish, consider using half the amount of butter and boosting the salad with more vegetables.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to bring back the creaminess.
Enjoy the flavors of Rome right in your kitchen!

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