Pasta with Cacio e Pepe and Lemon Zest

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

1. 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.

2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

   • Grate Pecorino Romano and lemon zest into a bowl. Mix well and set aside.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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!