Cacio e Pepe (Milk Street)

This is an untraditional way of preparing Cacio e Pepe that uses cornstarch as a cheat to ensure good results. The recipe I usually use, with consistently good results, is from Ina Garten.

Adapted from Milk Street

Cacio e Pepe (Milk Street)

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 6 oz Pecorino Romano cheese block, finely grated (3 cups)
  • 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1

Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot.

2

Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, whisk the water and cornstarch until smooth.

3

Add the pecorino and stir until evenly moistened.

4

Set the pan over medium-low and cook, whisking constantly, until the cheese melts and the mixture comes to a gentle simmer and thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Don't over heat! As soon as a simmer is reached remove from the heat; set aside. Note: while the pecorino mixture rests, it will thicken slightly.

5

Stir the pasta and salt into the boiling water and cook until al dente.

6

Reserve about one cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta.

7

Return the pasta to the pot and let cool for about 1 minute.

8

Pour the pecorino mixture over the pasta and toss with tongs until combined; toss in the pepper.

9

Let stand, tossing two or three times, until most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 3 minutes.

10

If needed, toss in reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to adjust the consistency.

Notes

For Pasta Gricia: In a 10-inch skillet over medium, cook 3 ounces finely chopped pancetta until crisp, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pancetta to a paper towel–lined plate; reserve 2 tablespoons of the rendered fat. Follow the recipe for cacio e pepe, whisking the fat into the pecorino mixture before setting it aside. Stir the cooked pancetta into the pasta along with the pepper.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

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2 Comments

  • Reply
    Billl
    April 10, 2022 at 7:53 pm

    You don’t tell us when to add the cooking water.

    • Reply
      janine
      April 10, 2022 at 9:46 pm

      Please take a look at the last step in the instructions. It states to toss in reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to adjust the consistency.

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