Cacio e Pepe Recipe Card

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Rome with our classic Cacio e Pepe recipe. This iconic Italian pasta dish, known for its simplicity and elegance, is a symphony of flavors brought to life with the freshest ingredients. Bucatini pasta, butter, olive oil, and a harmonious blend of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses are the stars of this show, creating a rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible sauce. Join us as we unravel the secrets behind this Roman masterpiece, perfecting each step to create a dish that will transport you straight to the cobblestone streets of Italy.

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Cacio e Pepe

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Ingredients:

• 12 oz bucatini pasta

• 5 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for garnish

• Freshly ground pepper

• Salt

Directions:

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Before diving into this culinary adventure, make sure you have all your ingredients ready to go. It's a quick and delightful journey, so preparation is key.

2. Combine freshly grated Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses in a bowl. Remember to grate them finely for the creamiest sauce.\

Step 2: Boil the Pasta to Perfection

1. In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil.

2. Add your bucatini pasta and cook it to a perfect al dente texture. **This step is crucial for achieving that authentic Cacio e Pepe experience.

3. Don't forget to reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.

Step 3: Craft the Cheese Mixture

1. Combine freshly grated Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses in a bowl.

2. Remember to grate them finely for the creamiest sauce.

Step 4: Toast the Pepper to Perfection

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over low heat.

2. Add the freshly ground pepper and gently toast it for about a minute, letting its aromatic essence infuse into the butter and olive oil.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

1. Take your toasted pepper and add the finely grated cheese mixture to the skillet.

2. Stir vigorously to create a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water, one spoonful at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.

Step 6: Toss the Pasta

1. Add the drained bucatini pasta to the skillet, ensuring it's still hot.

2. Toss it in the creamy cheese and pepper mixture, coating each strand evenly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Serve your Cacio e Pepe immediately, garnishing each plate with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese and a generous grind of black pepper.

**Note: If the cheese is grated too coarsely, you won't achieve the desired creamy cheese sauce.

As we savor the final bites of this exquisite Cacio e Pepe, we're reminded that true culinary artistry lies in simplicity. The combination of buttery bucatini, a medley of finely grated cheeses, and the warmth of freshly ground pepper creates a flavor symphony that's hard to match. We hope this recipe has brought the essence of Roman cuisine to your table, providing a taste of Italy's timeless culinary magic. Remember, whether you're savoring it in the heart of Rome or in the comfort of your home, each bite of Cacio e Pepe is a delicious ode to Italy's culinary legacy, and now, it's a part of your culinary repertoire too.

Mangia! xoxo