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Cacio e pepe

Boil pasta in well-salted water until just shy of al dente. Scoop out a mug of cloudy water.

Questions about this dish

Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips โ€” not a chatbot.

How long does Cacio e pepe take?

20 min all in โ€” 5 min prep, 15 min cook. That is the time on this recipe, not a guess.

How many does it serve?

The recipe is written for 2 plates. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.

How hard is it?

Medium.

How spicy is it?

Mild.

What allergens should I watch?

This recipe is labelled for Wheat, Milk. Labels are informational โ€” check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.

Does it fit a diet?

The published recipe is labelled Vegetarian.

What does it cost to cook?

Cheap night โ€” about Under $8 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.

What equipment do I need?

Saucepan, Frying pan.

How much salt do I put in?

The recipe lists Salt at 1 tsp (for the water, go light โ€” the cheese is salty).

What can I use instead?

Pecorino โ†’ Mostly pecorino plus a little parmigiano. Milder. Still a Roman plate if pecorino leads.

Any tips from this recipe?

Grate the cheese like dust. Chunks will not melt. A little leftover cooking water in a jug is cheaper than panic.

Can I prepare this ahead?

A little leftover cooking water in a jug is cheaper than panic.

Can I use an air fryer?

This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.

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