This one pot cacio e pepe recipe is a dreamy pasta dish that marries our beloved pasta with the simplicity of our favorite cooking method. We’re all about the magic of one-pot pasta – easy, elevated flavor, and minimal cleanup. And when it comes to classic cacio e pepe, we’re downright fanatic.
This quick one-pot wonder is so easy to make that you’ll find yourself wondering why you haven’t tried it before. It’s time to elevate your pasta game with ease!
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What does “cacio e pepe” mean
“Cacio e pepe” is a popular pasta dish from Rome, Italy. In several central Italian dialects, the phrase means “cheese and pepper,” which is what this pasta consists of! We use ¾ cup of parmesan cheese and a lot of black pepper, and the result is a super tasty, cheesy pasta dish.
The flavor of cacio e pepe is really special. It’s a simple recipe that has a sharp and slightly spicy flavor. It’s creamy and cheesy and oh so delectable.
What is one pot pasta
If you’ve followed us for a while, you’ll know we love one pot pasta! That’s because it cuts back on cooking (and cleaning) time, is a generally easier way to cook pasta, and it dials up the flavor. Since we cook everything in one pot, you only have one dish to clean aside from the plates you have eaten on!
But that’s not the only benefit to one-pot pasta! We love it, too, because we cook the pasta in broth instead of boiling water, which means all that extra flavor sumptuously seeps into the pasta noodles. The linguine soaks in the broth, the pepper, and the parmesan flavor. Just cooking the linguine noodles in salted water means you would be missing out on all of that savory flavor!
Why we love One Pot Cacio e Pepe
Like we said (and we’ll say it again, loudly and proudly!), this is an amazing meal and incredible recipe because the pasta is cooked in broth, making it extra flavorful. That’s super helpful for this recipe, because of the simplicity of the other ingredients we use. We definitely love the tangle of tastes that the cheese, pepper, and butter bring to the palate. And adding the broth to cook the pasta makes it even richer!
How to make One Pot Cacio e Pepe
- In a large pot, on medium-high heat, add uncooked pasta, salt, and broth.
- Bring broth to a boil, cover and reduce heat to medium low. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the linguine is al-dente.
- Add butter and grated cheese, stirring until both are melted.
- Grind in a generous amount of black pepper, then stir together.
- Serve, garnishing with shaved parmesan, and enjoy!
What to pair with this One Pot Cacio e Pepe
Is there anything this simple dish can’t dance with on the dinner table? Here are a few of our absolute faves:
- Marry Me Chicken is one of our top recipes. The flavor is out of this world, and it would pair so well with this simple pasta dish!
- Our Whipped Feta Baked Chicken is just as rich as marry me chicken, but low carb! It’s a great compliment to this peppery linguine.
- If you’re going for an Italian themed dinner, then pair this creamy pasta with our Bruschetta Baked Chicken!
- Calling all seafood lovers! Cacio e Pepe and Baked Shrimp Scampi are a match made in heaven. These two dishes perfectly compliment each other.
- For a lighter side kick, try our Green Goddess Salad. The dressing is refreshing, and the salad is super simple!
Common Questions about Cacio e Pepe
Cheese clumps happen when it melts too fast or hits too much heat at once. The key? Toss the cheese in gradually, off the heat, while vigorously stirring or tossing the pasta to help it emulsify. Also, finely grating the parmesan makes a huge difference — think fluffy snow, not chunky shreds.
It’s all about that starchy pasta water! The heat and starch help the cheese melt into a silky, sauce-like consistency without needing a drop of cream. Stirring like you mean it also helps — agitating the pasta creates an emulsion that brings everything together.
Go bold! A good rule of thumb is at least one teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper per serving, but if you love a peppery kick, don’t be shy.
If you want to jazz it up, try crispy pancetta, sautéed mushrooms, or even a squeeze of lemon for a little brightness. Truffle oil gives it an earthy edge, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds heat. Just don’t go overboard — cacio e pepe is all about simplicity!
One Pot Cacio e Pepe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pot sized linguine
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt more or less to taste
- 32 ounces low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
- 3 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper more or less to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, on medium-high heat add uncooked pasta, salt, and broth.12 ounces pot sized linguine, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 32 ounces low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- Bring broth to a boil, cover and reduce heat to medium low. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the linguine is al-dente.
- Add butter and grated cheese, stirring until both are melted.4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, 3/4 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
- Grind in a generous amount of black pepper, then stir together.3 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- Serve, garnishing with shaved parmesan, and enjoy!
Video
Equipment
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Nutrition
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I love this recipe and make it all the time! I make it for friends and it’s always a hit. I add chicken or shrimp which work perfectly. It’s quick, easy and so delicious. Winner, winner pasta dinner!
Thank you, Kelly! We’re so glad!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Hi,
I want to make this for dinner tomorrow night and I have one question, and I hope it’s not a silly one!! Do you cover your noodles in the chicken broth, cover the pot, let them cook, and then drain the broth once the noodles are done? I didn’t see that you drain them in your video or included in the recipe. Just want to make sure that I make this correctly. And I can’t wait to make this…it looks delicious!!
Thank you!!
Yes, that is correct, you do not drain the broth!Let us know how it turns out!
Was super nervous to try this since my husband prefers meat with his meals. Boy was this a hit! He not only had 2 helpings but my toddlers gobbled it up. Found myself tempted to put it on the menu again this week since it was so delicious. The ingredients are stuff I normally have on hand so it makes for a really easy meal. Will definitely be making this one again soon!
Yay! It’s always a win when it’s kid approved! Thanks for giving it a try! xo, Alia & Radwa