Enjoy a classic Roman dish with bucatini cacio e pepe, showcasing simple yet bold flavours that delight the palate.
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Total
25 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Nutrition per serving
500
Calories
20g
Protein
15g
Fat
70g
Carbs
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