Joanna Gaines Cacio e Pepe Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Cacio e pepe whispers Italian culinary elegance through its breathtaking simplicity, transforming humble ingredients into a gastronomic masterpiece.

This Roman classic dances with minimal components that pack maximum flavor.

Creamy pecorino and sharp black pepper waltz together, creating a symphony on your plate.

Chefs worldwide revere its stripped-down brilliance, proving that less truly can be more.

Professional and home kitchens alike celebrate this timeless recipe’s ability to wow with just three core ingredients.

Each twirled forkful transports you to cobblestone streets and sunlit Roman terraces.

Check out this delectable experience and watch pure magic unfold on your dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 740 kcal

Servings: 4

What You Need for Joanna Gaines’ Cacio E Pepe

• Spaghetti: Select premium, bronze-cut pasta for superior texture and sauce absorption.
• Salt: Choose coarse sea salt for enhancing pasta's natural flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Pick extra virgin, cold-pressed for rich, authentic Mediterranean essence.
• Garlic: Opt for fresh, firm cloves with vibrant aroma and no green sprouts.
• Black Pepper: Select whole peppercorns to grind freshly for maximum aromatic punch.

• Pecorino Romano: Source authentic, aged cheese from Italy with sharp, tangy characteristics.
• Pasta Water: Retain starchy liquid as secret weapon for creating luxurious, silky sauce texture.

Cooking Tools for Joanna’s Cacio E Pepe

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling water and cooking spaghetti thoroughly.
• Skillet: Spacious pan for sautéing garlic and creating the creamy sauce.
• Wooden Spoon: Essential for stirring pasta and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Grater: Helps create fine, delicate Pecorino Romano cheese shreds.
• Colander: Needed for draining pasta after cooking.
• Measuring Cup: Useful for precisely adding reserved pasta water.
• Kitchen Tongs: Great for transferring and stirring pasta in the skillet.
• Cheese Knife or Microplane: Perfect for grating additional cheese as garnish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cacio E Pepe

• Boil Pasta to Perfection

Drop spaghetti into salted boiling water, stirring occasionally. Cook until noodles reach that magical al dente texture, about 12 minutes. Scoop out a splash of starchy water before draining – this liquid gold will be your secret sauce weapon.

• Craft Flavor Foundation

Heat olive oil in a roomy skillet, tossing in minced garlic and a hearty sprinkle of black pepper. Let the ingredients dance and sizzle, releasing an intoxicating aroma that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

• Transform Pasta into Creamy Delight

Slide cooked spaghetti into the skillet, showering it with a blizzard of grated Pecorino Romano. Pour in reserved pasta water and whisk energetically, coaxing the cheese into a luscious, clingy sauce that hugs every single noodle.

• Finesse Your Masterpiece

Adjust sauce consistency by adding pasta water bit by bit. You’re aiming for a silky, luxurious coating that clings seductively to the pasta. The goal? A sauce so smooth it looks like liquid silk.

• Serve with Flair

Plate your Cacio e Pepe immediately, crowned with an extra flutter of cheese and a bold crack of fresh black pepper. Each twirl of your fork promises a bite of pure, simple Italian magic.

Enhancements for Cacio E Pepe by Joanna Gaines

• Tweak the Cheese Selection: Experiment with different aged pecorino varieties like Pecorino Toscano or a blend of Pecorino and Parmigiano-Reggiano to create unique flavor profiles that elevate the classic recipe.
• Enhance Pasta Water Magic: Save more pasta water than you think you'll need – its starchy consistency is the secret weapon for creating a silky, emulsified sauce that clings perfectly to every spaghetti strand.
• Master the Pepper Intensity: Toast whole black peppercorns in a dry skillet before grinding to release deeper, more complex pepper notes that transform the traditional Cacio e Pepe from simple to spectacular.
• Control Heat for Smooth Sauce: Keep the skillet temperature low when mixing cheese and pasta water to prevent clumping, ensuring a creamy and smooth sauce that coats the noodles with restaurant-quality precision.

Best Ways to Serve Cacio E Pepe

• Enhance Cheese Flavor: Grate additional Pecorino Romano directly over the hot pasta to intensify the creamy, sharp taste.
• Pair with Wine: Select a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay to complement the pasta's rich, peppery profile.
• Create Texture Contrast: Serve alongside a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's creamy consistency.
• Elevate Presentation: Plate the pasta in warmed ceramic bowls to maintain the sauce's silky temperature and create an elegant dining experience.

How to Store Leftover Cacio E Pepe

• Preserve Peak Flavor: Store leftover Cacio e Pepe in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cheese-based sauces tend to separate and become grainy when reheated, so enjoy this dish fresh for the best taste experience.
• Revive Refrigerated Pasta: When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture. Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring constantly to help the sauce recombine and prevent sticking.
• Smart Ingredient Prep: Grate Pecorino Romano cheese in advance and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Having ingredients ready makes quick weeknight cooking a breeze.
• Freezing Caution: Avoid freezing this dish, as the delicate cheese sauce will break down and lose its creamy texture. Cacio e Pepe is best enjoyed immediately after cooking, celebrating its simple, fresh ingredients.

Authentic Joanna Gaines Cacio E Pepe Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Joanna Gaines’ cacio e pepe brings Roman pasta magic to home kitchens with simple ingredients. Parmesan and pecorino cheeses create a luxurious sauce you can master in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) spaghetti
• 1 ¾ cups (210 g) Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
• 6 tbsps (90 ml) olive oil
• 2 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Boiling Preparation: Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a vigorous boil over high heat. Submerge spaghetti, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping, and cook until perfectly al dente, about 8-12 minutes.
2. Liquid Preservation: Carefully extract 1 cup of starchy cooking water before draining pasta in a colander, shaking to remove excess moisture.
3. Flavor Foundation: Warm a skillet over medium heat, drizzle with olive oil, and introduce minced garlic and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté briefly to release aromatic compounds without scorching.
4. Pasta Integration: Transfer drained spaghetti directly into the fragrant skillet, generously coat with grated Pecorino Romano, and toss to distribute cheese evenly.
5. Sauce Development: Gradually pour reserved cooking water into the skillet, stirring vigorously to create a luxurious, silky sauce that clings to each pasta strand. Adjust consistency by adding cooking water one tablespoon at a time if needed.
6. Final Flourish: Plate immediately, garnishing with an additional sprinkle of Pecorino Romano and a lavish dusting of freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the dish’s intense flavor profile.

Notes

• Master Pasta Water: Save the starchy liquid gold before draining – it’s the secret weapon for creating a silky, restaurant-quality sauce that clings perfectly to every pasta strand.
• Pepper Precision: Freshly ground black pepper is non-negotiable; crush it coarsely to release intense, aromatic flavors that transform this simple dish into a culinary masterpiece.
• Cheese Technique: Grate Pecorino Romano just before using to ensure maximum melting potential and prevent clumping, creating a smooth, creamy texture throughout the pasta.
• Temperature Control: Keep the skillet at medium heat to prevent garlic from burning and to help cheese melt smoothly, creating a luxurious sauce without compromising delicate flavors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 740
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 90 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg