Name: Creamy Cacio e Pepe 🧀
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated; 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground; 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved); Salt, to taste

This classic Italian pasta dish delivers bold flavors with just 3 main ingredients and takes less than 20 minutes to make! 🍝

Quick Steps ✨

Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente.

Toast black pepper in a pan to release its aroma.

Combine cheese and pasta water to form a creamy sauce.

Toss pasta in the sauce and coat evenly.

Serve immediately with extra cheese and pepper.

Step by Step Instructions 📝

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.

2. Toast the Pepper: In a large pan, toast the freshly ground black pepper over medium heat until fragrant (1-2 minutes). This releases the essential oils and boosts the peppery flavor.

3. Create the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, combine the finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese with a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water in a bowl. Whisk until a creamy, smooth consistency forms.

4. Combine: Add the drained pasta to the pan with pepper. Pour in the cheese mixture and a little more pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce. Toss everything together with a spatula until the pasta is evenly coated.

5. Serve: Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with extra Pecorino Romano and more black pepper to taste.

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Sidney's Favorite Tools 🥣

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Substitutions 🔄

Cheese: Swap Pecorino Romano with Parmesan if you prefer a milder flavor.

Pepper: Use pre-ground pepper for convenience, but freshly ground offers the best punch.

Pasta: Spaghetti is traditional, but bucatini or linguine work well too.

Useful Notes 📝

Cheese Quality: Finely grate your Pecorino Romano to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.

Heat Control: Be cautious when adding the cheese to the pasta water to avoid clumping—low heat is key!

Extra Flavor: For a twist, you can add a bit of lemon zest or a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.

Nutritional Insights 🍎

Each serving contains the stated nutritional values:

🔥 Energy: 400 kcal

🥑 Fat: 18 g (of which saturates: 7 g)

🍞 Carbohydrates: 45 g (of which sugars: 2 g)

🌾 Fiber: 3 g

💪 Protein: 15 g

🧂 Salt: 1.2 g

Don't worry about calories, this is a good one!

My Essential Kitchen Favorite 🥣

Leftover Advice ♻️

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to revive the sauce's creaminess. Note that the cheese may thicken slightly in the fridge, so adding water while reheating is essential!

Hey I'm Sidney! 💖

I’m passionate about sharing easy, healthy recipes that fit seamlessly into your busy lifestyle. 🌟 My goal is to inspire you with fresh, nutritious, and delicious meals. 🥗