Pasta with Cacio e Lots of Pepe (and Lemon Zest)
This recipe, created by food writer Nikkitha Bakshani, takes the classic Italian pasta dish Cacio e Pepe to the next level with a vibrant addition of lemon zest. Perfectly creamy, peppery, and fresh, this dish is a quick yet elegant meal for any occasion.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 180g dried pasta or 250g fresh pasta
- 45g–65g finely grated Pecorino Romano (or Parmesan as an alternative)
- Zest of 1–2 lemons (adjust to taste)
- Butter, as needed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, as needed
- Pasta water, as needed
Pro Tip: Use Pecorino Romano in a ratio of ¼ the weight of your pasta for perfect creaminess.
Method
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Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a pot of water to boil. Once boiling, add 2 tablespoons of salt.
- Cook fresh pasta for 2–3 minutes (until it floats) or dried pasta for 2–3 minutes less than the package instructions.
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Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- Grate Pecorino Romano and lemon zest into a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
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Make the Sauce:
- In a frying pan over low-medium heat, melt enough butter to coat the pan.
- Generously grate black pepper into the butter (the more, the better).
- Add a ladle of pasta water and bring to a gentle boil.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Transfer the cooked pasta directly to the butter-water mixture using tongs or a slotted spoon.
- Gradually add the Pecorino-lemon zest mixture, stirring continuously to create a creamy sauce.
- Add more pasta water, one ladle at a time, to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
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Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice if needed.
- If the pasta is too al dente, cook for a bit longer, adding more water, cheese, or butter to keep it saucy.
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Serve:
- Plate immediately and enjoy this creamy, zesty Cacio e Pepe masterpiece!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic with a Twist: The lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy freshness to the traditional creamy and peppery Cacio e Pepe.
- Quick and Elegant: A perfect weeknight dinner that feels gourmet yet comes together in minutes.
- Versatile: Easily scalable for dinner parties or a solo treat.
Bring a taste of Italy to your table with this simple yet sophisticated recipe. Whether you’re hosting guests or indulging in a quick dinner, this Pasta with Cacio e Pepe and Lemon Zest is sure to impress. Try it today!
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