Nonna's Cacio e Pepe Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Categories: Pasta
Indulge in the simple yet decadent flavors of Nonna's Cacio e Pepe pasta, where the sharpness of Pecorino Romano and the creaminess of Parmesan blend perfectly with the boldness of freshly ground black pepper. Each bite is a comforting hug from Italian tradition.
Difficulty: EASY
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serving Size: Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, toast the black pepper until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add 1/2 cup of pasta water to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the pepper-infused water.
- Gradually sprinkle in both cheeses, tossing constantly until melted and creamy. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Season with salt to taste and serve hot.
- Garnish with additional cheese and black pepper if desired.