Indulge in the simplicity and bold flavors of Cacio e Pepe, a classic Roman pasta dish. Made with only a handful of ingredients—spaghetti, Pecorino Romano cheese, and freshly ground black pepper—this recipe exemplifies the beauty of Italian cuisine. With its creamy, cheese-coated strands of pasta and a peppery kick in every bite, Cacio e Pepe is a timeless favorite that transports you to the streets of Rome with every savory mouthful.

Here's a traditional recipe for Cacio e Pepe:

Ingredients:

 - 320g spaghetti

 - 200g Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated

 - 2-3 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

 - Salt (for pasta water)

Instructions:

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

2- Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions.

3- While the pasta is cooking, in a large pan, toast the black pepper over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

4- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.

5- Add the drained spaghetti to the pan with the toasted pepper.

6- Gradually sprinkle in the grated Pecorino Romano cheese, tossing the pasta continuously to melt the cheese and create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

7- Season with salt if needed, although the Pecorino is quite salty already.

8- Serve hot, with an additional sprinkle of Pecorino and black pepper if desired.

Nutritional Values :

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients in the Cacio e Pepe recipe per serving:

For the Spaghetti Dish:

Spaghetti (320g):

  - Calories:1,200

  - Fat:4 g

  - Carbohydrates:240 g

  - Protein:40 g

Benefits: Provides energy through carbohydrates; protein for muscle repair; a small amount of fat for essential functions.

Pecorino Romano Cheese (200g):

  - Calories: 800

  - Fat: 64 g

  - Carbohydrates: 4 g

  - Protein: 56 g

Benefits: High in protein and calcium; adds flavor; provides fats necessary for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Freshly Ground Black Pepper (2-3 Teaspoons):

  - Calories:10

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates:2 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds flavor; has antioxidant properties; may aid digestion and have anti-inflammatory effects.

Salt (For Pasta Water):

  - Calories: 0

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Enhances flavor; use in moderation to manage sodium intake.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.