Description
Savor the delightful combination of crispy bacon and creamy Pecorino Romano cheese in this quick and comforting Bacon Cacio e Pepe. Perfectly cooked pasta is tossed with freshly cracked black pepper and a touch of butter for added richness, making it an ideal dish for any occasion. Enjoy a taste of Italy in just 25 minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces spaghetti or bucatini
- 4 ounces thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Salt, for pasta water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional, for added richness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the spaghetti or bucatini to the boiling water. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
- Drain the pasta in a colander without rinsing it.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons in the skillet.
- Add the freshly cracked black pepper to the bacon fat in the skillet and toast for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the bacon fat and pepper.
- Remove the skillet from heat and gradually sprinkle in the grated Pecorino Romano cheese while tossing the pasta.
- Slowly add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, while tossing until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Stir in unsalted butter for added richness, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
- Taste the pasta and adjust salt and black pepper as needed.
- Plate the pasta in bowls, topping with crispy bacon.
- Optionally, sprinkle with extra Pecorino Romano and black pepper, and add chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, cheesy, and peppery flavors!
Notes
- Use high-quality pasta, cheese, and bacon for the best flavor.
- Keep an eye on the pasta to ensure it is cooked al dente.
- Always grate cheese fresh for optimal creaminess.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes