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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Liquid Preservation: Carefully extract 1 cup of starchy cooking water before draining pasta in a colander, shaking to remove excess moisture.
- 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.
- Pasta Integration: Transfer drained spaghetti directly into the fragrant skillet, generously coat with grated Pecorino Romano, and toss to distribute cheese evenly.
- 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.
- 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