Cacio e Pepe
About this recipe
Cacio e Pepe is a classic Roman pasta dish that highlights the simplicity and richness of just two main ingredients: cheese and black pepper. This version, featuring Pecorino cheese, is authentic and delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal at home.
Ingredient notes
- You can use either Pecorino cheese or Parmesan cheese, or a combination of both.
Tips from Jamie Oliver’s video
- Make sure to use al dente spaghetti for the best texture; it should be firm to the bite.
- When mixing the pasta with the cheese and pepper, add a little pasta water to create a creamy sauce that coats the spaghetti evenly.
Good to know
- How many servings does this recipe make?
- This recipe serves 2.
- What type of cheese should I use for Cacio e Pepe?
- Use Pecorino cheese for the original recipe, but you can also add Parmesan cheese if you like.
No life story here — the video and the recipe are the whole point. All credit to Jamie Oliver: watch the original on YouTube.
The recipe
Ingredients
Steps
- 1
Grate the Pecorino cheese into a large bowl.
- 2
Add a generous amount of black pepper to the cheese and mix well.
- 3
Boil the spaghetti until al dente, then taste to ensure it's cooked perfectly.
- 4
Transfer the cooked spaghetti into the bowl with the cheese and pepper mixture.
- 5
Use two forks to mix the spaghetti with the cheese and pepper, adding a little pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
- 6
Continue mixing until the cheese melts and coats the spaghetti evenly.
- 7
Top with additional cheese and black pepper to taste.
- 8
Serve immediately and enjoy.
Heads up — we had to guess a little:
- Estimated amount of black pepper for flavor.
Credit where it’s due: this recipe was transcribed from Jamie Oliver’s original video on YouTube. Follow them there — it’s their dish.
Are you Jamie Oliver? Claim this page or ask us to take it down. Your call, always.
