Cacio e Pepe

This is a simple pasta dish we fell in love with in Rome. Very easy to make in a very short time. You can eat it with a simple salad, side dish for a protein, or just by itself. You should really give this a try. You will be glad you did!

Ingredients:

• ½ pound spaghetti or bucatini
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp butter
• ½ cup grated pecorino romano cheese
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet until shimmering
2. Add fresh ground pepper and cook until it is sizzling
3. Remove from heat
4. In a large skillet or pot, add pasta and just cover with water
5. Add salt and cook until just al dente
6. Remove from heat but do not throw out pasta water
7. Return skillet with olive oil back to heat
8. Add butter and 2-3 Tbsp of the pasta water
9. Add the cooked pasta and the cheese on top
10. Start shaking the pan and swirling the pasta
11. Add more pasta water if needed
12. The oil, butter, starchy water, and cheese will make a creamy sauce
13. Place on plates or in bowls and drizzle some more olive oil for extra flavor
14. Add more pepper if you wish
15. Enjoy!