Irresistible Cacio e Pepe Bucatini: A Simple Gourmet Delight

Ingredients

- 12 ounces bucatini or spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns, freshly cracked

Instructions

1. Boil the Pasta Water:
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add the kosher salt to season the water.

2. Cook the Bucatini:
Add the bucatini (or spaghetti) to the boiling water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 9-11 minutes.

3. Crack the Peppercorns:
While the pasta cooks, crack the black peppercorns using a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a large knife, ensuring they are roughly ground.

4. Prepare the Sauce Base:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cracked black pepper and toast for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Emulsify the Sauce:
Ladle 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water into the skillet with the pepper. Add the butter and stir until melted and the sauce emulsifies, about 2 minutes.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Using tongs, transfer the cooked bucatini directly from the pot to the skillet. Reduce heat to low.

7. Incorporate the Cheese:
Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta, tossing continuously until the cheese has melted and the pasta is evenly coated in a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add additional pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached.

8. Serve:
Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with any remaining cheese and extra cracked black pepper to taste.

Preparation & Cooking Times

- PT30M
30 minutes

Total Time

- PT30M
30 minutes

Type of Dish

- Dinner

Keywords

- Cacio e Pepe
- Bucatini Recipe
- Easy Pasta
- Gourmet Italian
- Weeknight Dinner
- Parmesan Cheese
- Black Pepper Pasta
- Olive Oil
- Simple Italian Dish
- Quick Pasta Recipe

Recipe Yield

- Feeds 4 adults

Calories

- Total: 1,610 calories

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