Have you ever found yourself looking at an empty pantry at the end of a very busy week and wondering how you’re going to prepare a quick, satisfying meal for the kiddos before your next grocery run?
Well, hello there, DIY Cheese and Pepper Pasta!
Popularly known as Cacio e Pepe (literally translated as Cheese and Pepper in several Italian dialects), this simple two-ingredient pasta dish has its origins in the peasant kitchens of ancient Rome. But has, since then, found its well-deserved place on the menus of some of the best Italian restaurants worldwide. (My favorite version is Jamie Oliver‘s!)
If your kids love Mac and Cheese or Carbonara (a less fatty alternative, that is), this just might fit the bill for a quick, easy emergency meal they will enjoy having (and you’ll enjoy making!) on a regular basis.
Traditionally you’ll only need two main ingredients (Pecorino Romano cheese and freshly ground black pepper) …but in this recipe we’ll be adding olive oil as well because we only had Parmesan cheese (which is drier and needs more moisture) in our pantry that day. (Quick hack in play here).
So, I hope you enjoy trying out this simple recipe which uses a few easy-to-find staple ingredients (and a few minutes of prep time) as your go-to “pre-grocery run” meal your kiddos will love!
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Ingredients:
1/2 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese. (Or any finely grated cheese you have in the house).
1 tsp. black ground pepper
1/4 cup olive oil. Or 3 tbsp. melted butter, if you’re feeling indulgent.
1 package (6 oz.) spaghetti noodles
Instructions:
Boil water in pot, add one package of spaghetti noodles to boiling water.
While noodles are cooking, warm olive oil in a pan over low heat and add black pepper. Let the pepper flavor infuse into the oil by stirring it in for a few minutes.
Once incorporated, set aside.
Add cooked noodles from pot directly into pan with the olive oil and pepper mixture.
Coat noodles evenly.
Add a generous amount of cheese and blend in well. Adjust creamy-ness with pasta water and olive oil until it achieves a creamy sauce consistency.
Remove from pan and serve with a sprinkle of extra cheese and pepper on top.
Garnish with a sprig of parsley (optional).
