
Cacio e Pepe — Properly
by cecilia • 1985
Why some badges are missing
- Not vegan: Pecorino Romano, finely grated (usually made with animal rennet) → try vegan parmesan-style cheese (or nutritional yeast)
- Not vegetarian: Pecorino Romano, finely grated (usually made with animal rennet) → try vegetarian hard cheese (Italian-style, made without animal rennet)
- Not gluten-free: Tonnarelli or spaghetti → try gluten-free pasta
- Not dairy-free: Pecorino Romano, finely grated → try vegan parmesan-style cheese (or nutritional yeast)
- Not low-FODMAP: Tonnarelli or spaghetti → try gluten-free pasta
- Not low-histamine: Pecorino Romano, finely grated
- Not kidney-friendly: Sea salt, for pasta water → try salt-free herb seasoning (or lemon zest and black pepper)
Based on listed ingredients — always check labels for allergies.
Prep
5m
Cook
12m
Serves
Rating
—
Total time · 17m
Ingredients
Kitchen HelpShopping list
200 g Tonnarelli or spaghetti
80 g Pecorino Romano, finely grated
2 tsp Black peppercorns, coarsely cracked
1 tbsp Sea salt, for pasta water
Instructions
Step by step
- 1
Toast the pepper in a dry wide pan for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 2
Boil the pasta in well-salted water until shy of al dente. Reserve a mug of starchy water.
- 3
Splash a ladle of pasta water into the pan with the pepper; bring to a simmer.
- 4
Off the heat, in a separate bowl, mix the pecorino with a small splash of cool pasta water to form a paste.
- 5
Drain the pasta straight into the pepper pan, toss for 30 seconds, then off the heat, vigorously stir in the cheese paste until it emulsifies. Add more water as needed.
- 6
Serve immediately. Eat standing up if you must.
Per serving
serves 2AI estimate only — not medical advice. Figures are approximations based on standard ingredient data and may vary by brand, portion size and preparation. Always double-check if cooking for allergies, diabetes, or strict dietary needs.
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Admin edit 2026-06-28
Edited 6/28/2026, 8:09:18 PM



