Description
Classic Italian pasta dish featuring spaghetti coated in a creamy sauce made from Pecorino Romano cheese, butter, and freshly cracked black pepper. Simple ingredients come together to create a luxurious and comforting meal perfect for any pasta lover.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti (or low-carb noodles)
- ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta to use in the sauce.
- Melt Butter and Add Pepper: In the same pot or a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the freshly cracked black pepper. Stir to toast the pepper slightly and release its aroma.
- Toss Pasta with Butter and Pepper: Add the drained pasta back into the pot with the butter and pepper. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Create the Sauce: Gradually add the grated Pecorino Romano cheese and the reserved pasta water to the pasta, stirring constantly. This will emulsify into a creamy, smooth sauce that clings to the noodles.
Notes
- Use fresh ground black pepper for the best and most aromatic flavor.
- Reserve the pasta water as it contains starch that helps create a creamy sauce without cream.
- For a lower-carb option, substitute spaghetti with low-carb noodles.
- Be careful not to add too much pasta water at once to avoid a thin sauce; add gradually to achieve desired creaminess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
