"Cacio e Pepe is a classic Italian dish that is as famous for its deliciousness as it is for the ease of putting it together. "Cacio e Pepe" literally means "cheese and pepper" and as the name suggests, the ingredients of the dish are are almost as simple as that. Add some pasta and pasta cooking water, a touch of chili and in this version, some lemon zest and juice which adds acidity and freshness, and you have one of the most simple, classic and delicious dishes you will ever make."
Cacio e Pepe with Lemon
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Recipe Intro From dianemorrisey
Simple & classic Cacio e Pepe is the best way to create the perfect easy weeknight meal.
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Prep time 5mins
Cook time 15mins
Serves or Makes: 4
Recipe Card
ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- Kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Method
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente.
Step 2
Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil and black pepper in a skillet over medium-low heat until fragrant and black pepper is barely starting to sizzle, about 1 minute. You don’t want the oil to be too hot because you want to slowly infuse the pepper into the oil.
Step 3
Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup pasta water. Increase flame under the skillet to medium, and stir the butter, lemon zest and juice, and chili flakes into the oil. Add the pasta, using tongs to mix in.
Step 4
Add both cheeses, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/2 cup pasta water to the skillet and stir until cheese is completely melted. Add a few more tablespoons pasta water to adjust consistency. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
Step 5
Serve immediately with Parmesan.