Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e Pepe is an incredibly simple but incredibly flavorful dish. Cacio e Pepe literally means Cheese and Pepper. This pasta features, you guessed it, cheese and pepper. Since it's such a simple dish please make sure to use good pepper, freshly ground if you can. This is a great dish for a quick meal or a budget friendly meal. 

Ingredients:
6 oz. spaghetti
3 tbsp. butter, cubed and divided
1 tsp. freshly cracked black pepper. 
3/4 cup finely grated parmesan
1/3 cup finely grated pecorino

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water up to a boil. 

2. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water until almost al dente, about 2 minuets less than the box directions. 

3. Melt 2 tbsp. butter in a large pot over medium high heat. Add the pepper and cook until toasted, about 1 minute. 

4. Reduce heat to low. Add pasta to pan with pepper with 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking liquid. I like to use tongs to scoop the pasta into the other pot instead of draining the pasta completely. This way you have enough pasta water. 

5. Add the parmesan to the pasta and stir until everything is well coated. You may need to add a little more pasta water if sauce gets too thick. 

6. Remove the pasta from the heat and add the pecorino. Transfer pasta to a bowl and top with extra cheese and fresh cracked black pepper. Serve warm.