Cacio E Pepe
This minimalist pasta recipe is a dream come true! Filling, but not too heavy, and get this, it only takes (wait for it) ten entire minutes to prepare. Let all the busy moms say, "Hallelujah!". Try this meal tonight with ingredients you most likely already have in your kitchen.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yields: 2 servings
Ingredients:
6 ounces of pasta: spaghetti, angel hair, bucatini
- two packages of ramen noodles work fine as well!
3 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed and divided
Freshly cracked pepper to taste
3/4 cup finely grated Grana Padano or Parmesan
Directions:
Bring three quarts of water to a boil, season with salt, add pasta, and cook, occasionally stirring for about two minutes (before tender)
Melt 2 tsp of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add pepper and swirl until toasted, about one minute.
Add 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water to the skillet and bring to a simmer
Add in pasta and remaining butter
Reduce heat to low and add in the Grana Padano or Parmesan. Stir and toss with tongs until the cheese has melted into a sauce and the pasta is al dente. (add more pasta water if the sauce seems dry)
Add salt and to taste
Transfer pasta to warm bowls and serve
Cacio E Pepe can be a perfect base pasta for just about anything! Add slices of grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. Incorporate red pepper flakes for heat and parsley for color, mix it up, and personalize it for the family. You cannot go wrong with such a clean, flavorful dish!
