Description
Creamy Cacio e Pepe Pasta with a spicy kick from chili flakes and fragrant thyme leaves. This easy-to-make Italian classic uses Pecorino Romano cheese and a simple pan sauce for a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 Box Barilla® Al Bronzo® Spaghetti pasta
Sauce & Seasoning
- 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 Teaspoon chili flakes
- 1/4 Teaspoon black pepper
- 6 Sprigs thyme, divided
- 1 Cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and lightly season it with sea salt. Cook the spaghetti pasta for one minute less than the package instructions, ensuring it remains al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil, minced garlic, chili flakes, and 4 sprigs of thyme. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant and the oil starts to sizzle. Add 2/3 cup of the reserved pasta water and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to infuse.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the thyme and chili-infused oil in the skillet. Toss vigorously over high heat for one minute for the pasta to absorb the flavors. Turn off the heat, remove and discard the thyme sprigs, then stir in the black pepper, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and remaining 1/3 cup of pasta water. Mix until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
- Finish and Serve: Season with additional black pepper if desired, and garnish with fresh thyme leaves on top. Serve immediately, enjoying the creamy, spicy, and aromatic pasta.
Notes
- Use pasta water to help create the creamy sauce without adding cream.
- Adjust chili flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Al Bronzo pasta has a rougher texture that helps sauce cling better, but regular spaghetti can be used as a substitute.
- For a vegetarian version, this recipe is suitable as is; however, ensure the Pecorino Romano cheese is vegetarian-friendly depending on the brand.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it contains starch that aids sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Cacio e Pepe, Pasta, Italian, Creamy Pasta, Spicy Pasta, Pecorino Romano, Thyme, Chili Flakes
