Classic Cacio e Pepe Recipe

Step 1

Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the salt.

Step 2

While the water is coming to a boil, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the freshly cracked black pepper and cook for 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Step 3

Cook pasta until al dente (typically the lower end of package recommended cook times).

Step 4

Use tongs to transfer the pasta to the butter in the skillet. It's ok if some pasta water gets in there — it'll help create a sauce. Add both cheeses and toss the pasta with the tongs until coated. If the pasta seems dry, add a ladle of pasta water and continue to toss with the tongs until the pasta is coated.

Step 5

Transfer the pasta to a serving dish and garnish with additional freshly cracked black pepper and cheese, if desired.