Bucatini Cacio e Pepe (Roman Sheep Herder's Pasta)

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe (Roman Sheep Herder's Pasta)
  • PREP TIME
    10 mins
  • COOK TIME
    15 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    25 mins
  • SERVING
    6 People
  • VIEWS
    113

Experience the rustic charm of Roman sheep herders with this simple yet exquisite pasta dish. Cacio e Pepe, meaning 'cheese and pepper,' transforms humble ingredients into a creamy, flavorful delight. It's a testament to how resourcefulness and quality ingredients can create culinary magic.

Ingridients

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Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    59 g
  • Cholesterol
    41 mg
  • Fiber
    2 g
  • Protein
    23 g
  • Saturated Fat
    7 g
  • Sodium
    870 mg
  • Sugar
    0 g
  • Fat
    12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

DIRECTIONS

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Image Step 01
01 Step

Recipe View Gather all ingredients. (5 minutes)

Image Step 02
02 Step

Recipe View Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add salt. Cook bucatini in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. (8-10 minutes)

Image Step 03
03 Step

Recipe View While the pasta cooks, place the finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese into a large bowl. Use a fork to break up any clumps, ensuring a smooth texture. (2 minutes)

Image Step 04
04 Step

Recipe View Reserve about 2 cups of the starchy pasta water before draining. Lift the cooked bucatini directly into the bowl with the cheese, allowing some pasta water to cling to it. (1 minute)

Image Step 05
05 Step

Recipe View Immediately add about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to the bowl. Quickly stir and toss the bucatini and cheese together. The heat from the pasta and the starch in the water will begin to melt the cheese, creating a creamy emulsion. (2 minutes)

Image Step 06
06 Step

Recipe View Continue adding pasta water, a little at a time (about 1/4 cup each time), stirring vigorously after each addition. The goal is to create a smooth, thick, and emulsified sauce that coats the pasta evenly. (3 minutes)

Image Step 07
07 Step

Recipe View Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency, sprinkle the freshly ground black pepper generously over the pasta. Toss well to distribute the pepper throughout. (1 minute)

Image Step 08
08 Step

Recipe View Serve immediately. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so it's best enjoyed right away.

Use high-quality Pecorino Romano cheese for the best flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains cellulose, which can hinder the sauce's ability to emulsify properly.
Don't skimp on the black pepper! It's a key component of the dish and adds a delightful spice.
The key to a creamy sauce is the starchy pasta water. Don't be afraid to use enough of it to create a smooth emulsion.
Work quickly! The heat from the pasta is essential for melting the cheese and creating the sauce.

Natasha Buckridge

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.3/ 5 ( 37 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (3)
  • Jaida Fritsch

    The tip about reserving enough pasta water is crucial. I almost drained it all, but I'm so glad I didn't!

  • Remington Kautzer

    This recipe is a game-changer! The key is definitely using good quality Pecorino and freshly ground pepper.

  • Dayna Gutkowski

    I was intimidated to make this, but the instructions were so clear. It turned out perfectly creamy and delicious!

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