Our recent family trip to Rome was a whirlwind of culture, history, and, of course, incredible food. One dish that left a lasting impression on our palates was the simple yet exquisite Cacio e Pepe. This traditional Roman pasta dish, made with just three ingredients. It perfectly encapsulates the heart of Italian cuisine: quality ingredients, simplicity, and love.

Bringing a piece of Rome back home, we decided to recreate this classic dish for a family dinner. Here’s how we did it and how you can too!

The Essence of Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e Pepe, which translates to “cheese and pepper,” highlights the rich flavors of Pecorino Romano cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—no elaborate sauces or complicated techniques are needed. Just a few ingredients come together to create something magical.

Ingredients

For a family of four, you’ll need:

• 400g bucatini
• 200g Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Salt, for pasta water

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the Cheese: While the pasta is cooking, grate the Pecorino Romano cheese and set it aside. The finer the cheese is grated, the creamier the sauce will become.
3. Toast the peppercorns: Crack a generous amount of pepper into a dry skillet and warm over a low temperature. Toast it for about a minute to release its flavors.
4. Create the Sauce: In a blender, add the freshly grated cheese and about 1/4 c of the reserved pasta water. Begin blending the sauces and slowly add additional water to desired consistency. *Hot tip: I’ve had greater success making a slightly looser sauce because it tightens up in the pasta.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet with the toasted pepper. Pour over the sauce and mix together.
6. Serve: Plate the pasta and finish with an extra sprinkle of cheese, more black pepper.

A Family Experience

As we prepared the meal together, we reminisced about our adventures in Rome. Fondly recalling the bustling streets, the charming trattorias, and the joyful atmosphere that surrounded us. Cooking Cacio e Pepe together provided us a way to relive those beautiful moments and share fond memories with our family.

Recreating Cacio e Pepe at home was a fantastic way to celebrate our love for Italian cuisine. It also reminded us of the memories we made in Rome. This dish is not just a recipe; it’s a connection to a culture that celebrates family, food, and togetherness.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, Cacio e Pepe is sure to impress. Buon Appetito!

4o mini