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A blue plate on a wooden table with long pasta topped with pink peppercorns. Another plate of pasta in the background, two crystal wine glasses with white wine, and a golden fork.

Cacio e Pepe with Goat Butter and Pink Peppercorns

Cacio e Pepe is a classic Roman dish. It translates to cheese and pepper, which are the two main ingredients. This version is a modern twist on the traditional pasta and is inspired by Fox & The Knife, an unbelievable restaurant located in Boston.
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Cheese,, Pasta, Roman
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 474kcal
Author: Allie Hagerty

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces pasta spaghetti is the traditional choice
  • 4 ounces freshly grated pecorino romano cheese
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground pink peppercorns plus extra for topping
  • 2 tablespoons goat butter
  • salt for pasta water

Instructions

  • Bring water to a boil in a large stockpot. Season with salt (after it boils!) and add your pasta. Cook until al dente.
  • While the pasta is cooking, grate the Pecorino Romano until it becomes a fine powder (it should almost resemble dust!). Grind lots of pepper - honestly, I like to have a lot extra on hand!
  • Mix the cheese and pepper together (start with 2 1/2 teaspoons of pepper) and divide into two parts once combined. Place one half of the cheese + pepper mixture into a large serving bowl (where you will toss the pasta), and the rest in a small bowl for later.
  • Once the pasta is cooked, set aside 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the remaining pasta.
  • Get your tongs ready! Quickly pour the pasta into the large serving bowl with half of the cheese and pepper and add about 1/2 cup of water to the bowl. Using the tongs, mix quickly - tossing the pasta and scraping up the bottom of the bowl.
  • Add the rest of the cheese and pepper, as well as the two tablespoons of goat butter. Continue to toss and mix until butter has melted and a smooth, silky sauce develops. Split between four plates and serve immediately with additional pepper or cheese, if desired.

Nutrition

Sodium: 750mg | Fiber: 5g | Potassium: 337.5mg | Calories: 474kcal | Fat: 16.7g | Protein: 58.5g | Carbohydrates: 17.5g
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