Bucatini Cacio e Pepe (Roman Sheep Herder's Pasta)
The Italian classic pasta cacio e pepe with cheese and pepper initially was invented by Roman sheep herders with little time and money to spend on eating. Cheap, easy, and fast.
Preparation Time
10 mins
Cooking Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Calories
438 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt. Cook bucatini in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 2
Place grated Pecorino Romano cheese into a large glass bowl and mix with a fork to make sure the cheese contains no lumps.
Step 3
Once the bucatini are al dente, lift them out with a spaghetti fork or tongs and put them directly into the bowl with the cheese. Do not allow the water to drain too much.
Step 4
Gather all ingredients.
Step 5
Add one ladle of pasta water to the bowl. Stir the bucatini around until a cream has formed.
Step 6
Add more pasta water, little by little, until a thick cream has formed.
Step 7
Sprinkle freshly ground pepper over the pasta. Toss and serve immediately.
Ingredients
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1 pound bucatini (dry)
1.5 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste
