CACIO E PEPE

Cacio e Pepe image

Provided by Geoffrey Zakarian

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

12 ounces thick-cut dry pasta
Kosher salt
30 turns freshly ground black pepper, on the coarsest setting, plus more for serving
1/3 cup grated Pecorino-Romano cheese, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving

Steps:

In a pan just wide enough to hold the pasta, place enough water to fill the pan 1 inch from the bottom. Season the water with a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Spread the pasta in the pan and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Allow the pasta water to reduce; do not add more, as you want the starchy water to be minimal when the remaining ingredients are added.
Meanwhile, add the coarse black pepper to a separate small pan over medium heat. Toast a minute or two until fragrant.
Once the pasta is al dente and the pasta water has reduced so only a slight coating remains at the bottom of the pan, turn off the heat and add the toasted ground black pepper and Pecorino-Romano. Stir and toss vigorously until both ingredients are well incorporated into the pasta. Toss in the olive oil and season with salt.
Transfer the pasta to a large bowl and garnish with more black pepper, Pecorino-Romano and extra-virgin olive oil.