Name: Easy Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound bucatini pasta; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper; 1 ½ cups finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese; Salt, to taste

Why You’ll Love Easy Bucatini Cacio e Pepe Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a restaurant‑quality pasta without spending hours in the kitchen. It celebrates the beauty of simplicity — with just a handful of ingredients you get a silky, flavorful sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of bucatini. It’s comforting, satisfying, and sure to impress even when served with minimal sides.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pasta water
salt
freshly cracked black pepper
bucatini pasta
Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bucatini and cook until just al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water.
In a large skillet over medium heat, toast the freshly cracked black pepper until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add a ladle of the reserved pasta water to the skillet and swirl it around to combine with the pepper.
Add the cooked bucatini to the skillet and toss well to coat.
Sprinkle in the finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese and toss continuously, adding more pasta water as needed, until a creamy sauce forms and coats the pasta.
Serve immediately with extra cheese and black pepper if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add butter or olive oil: For a richer flavor and silkier texture, add a tablespoon of butter or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil when tossing the pasta.
Use different pasta: If bucatini isn’t available, spaghetti, linguine, or tonnarelli are excellent alternatives.
Incorporate vegetables: Add cooked peas, sautéed spinach, or mushrooms for a veggie boost without overpowering the original flavors.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over low heat with a splash of pasta water or milk to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating is also possible, but the sauce may lose some of its creaminess, so be sure to stir and add liquid as needed.

FAQs

How do you pronounce “cacio e pepe”?

Cacio e pepe is pronounced kah-choh eh peh-peh and translates to “cheese and pepper” in Italian.

Can I use Parmesan instead of Pecorino Romano?

Yes, Parmesan can be used, but Pecorino Romano gives a sharper, saltier flavor that is more traditional.

What’s the best pasta for cacio e pepe?

Bucatini is ideal due to its hollow center, which traps the sauce. Spaghetti, linguine, or tonnarelli are also great options.

Why do you save pasta water?

The starchy pasta water helps emulsify the cheese and pepper into a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta.

Is this recipe authentic?

Yes, it follows the classic Roman method using only a few simple ingredients. Some variations may include butter or oil for added richness.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta — long shapes like gluten-free spaghetti work best.

How spicy is the pepper flavor?

The pepper gives the dish a noticeable but not overwhelming kick. Adjust to your preferred spice level.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

It’s best made fresh. The creamy sauce relies on the heat of the pasta and pasta water, so it’s difficult to replicate in advance.

What wine pairs with cacio e pepe?

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Italian red such as Chianti pairs well with the sharp cheese and peppery notes.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, as long as the Pecorino Romano is made without animal rennet. Check the label or ask your cheesemonger.

Conclusion

Easy Bucatini Cacio e Pepe is the ultimate example of how minimal ingredients can produce incredible flavor. Creamy, peppery, and deeply satisfying, it’s a dish that feels elegant without being complicated. Perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute guests, this pasta is a true celebration of Italian culinary simplicity.