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Bucatini Cacio e Pepe: Roman Sheep Herders Pasta

25 min 4 servings Easy
Bucatini cacio e pepe is a timeless Roman dish that has been cherished for generations. Known as the shepherd's pasta, it combines bucatini with a simple yet flavourful sauce made from Pecorino Romano cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. This version captures the essence of traditional Roman cuisine with its minimal ingredients and bold taste. Our recipe provides a faithful homage to the roots of Roman shepherds who needed a quick and satisfying meal. It's perfect for anyone wanting to experience authentic Italian flavours without much fuss in the kitchen.

Instructions

1

Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bucatini and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

Pro tip: Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.

2

Prepare the cheese and pepper

In a large bowl, combine the grated Pecorino Romano and freshly cracked black pepper.

Pro tip: Use freshly cracked pepper for a more intense aroma.

3

Reserve pasta water

Before draining the pasta, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water.

Pro tip: This water will help emulsify the sauce.

4

Combine pasta and cheese

Drain the pasta and immediately transfer it to the bowl with cheese and pepper. Add half of the reserved pasta water.

5

Mix thoroughly

Toss the pasta vigorously to melt the cheese and coat the bucatini, adding more pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency.

Pro tip: Work quickly to prevent the cheese from clumping.

6

Serve immediately

Divide the pasta among bowls and serve immediately with extra cheese and pepper if desired.

Pro tip: For best flavour, serve while hot.

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Tips & Tricks

  • Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavour.
  • Grate cheese finely for smoother sauce integration.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is bucatini cacio e pepe?

Bucatini cacio e pepe is a traditional Roman pasta dish made with bucatini, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper.

Why is it called Roman sheep herders pasta?

It's called Roman sheep herders pasta because it was traditionally made by shepherds using simple ingredients they carried.

How many calories are in bucatini cacio e pepe?

There are approximately 500 calories per serving of bucatini cacio e pepe.

Can I use a different pasta instead of bucatini?

Yes, spaghetti or linguine can be used as substitutes, but bucatini's hollow shape is ideal for holding the sauce.

How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?

Toss the pasta quickly with the cheese and incorporate pasta water gradually to help emulsify the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve bucatini cacio e pepe immediately for the best taste and texture. Pair it with a crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio or a light red such as Chianti to complement the dish's richness. This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition per serving

500

Calories

20g

Protein

15g

Fat

70g

Carbs