Carbonara Cacio e Pepe

  • Level: Easy
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Total: 35 min
  • Active: 35 min
Advertisement

Ingredients

Kosher salt

1 pound creste di gallo pasta or other curved pasta shape 

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 

1/3 pound pancetta, diced 

1 1/2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper 

2 cups freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving, optional 

1 cup freshly grated pecorino 

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature 

2 cups frozen peas, thawed 

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the pasta for 8 minutes or just 2 minutes under the suggested cooking time. Drain well, reserving 1 1/2 cups of pasta water.
  2. Meanwhile, heat a large straight-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and pancetta. Cook, stirring often with a wooden spoon, until the pancetta is crisp, about 10 minutes. Add the black pepper and toast, stirring often, until fragrant. Add 1/2 cup of the pasta water to the pan and scrape up all the bits that are sticking to the bottom. Add the cooked pasta and sprinkle with the Parmesan. Add another 1/2 cup of the pasta water and stir to coat all of the pasta with the cheese. Add the pecorino and butter and stir to combine, creating a light, creamy cheese sauce. Add the peas and cook until warmed through. Add additional pasta water as needed to maintain the light sauce consistency. Serve with more grated Parmesan if desired.

Let's Get Cooking!

Sign up for the Recipe of the Day newsletter to receive editor-picked recipes,tips and videos delivered to your inbox daily. Privacy Policy

Thanks for subscribing to the Recipe of the Day newsletter. Check out all our other great newsletters from Easy Recipes, Healthy Eating Ideas and Chef Recipe Videos.

We're sorry, there was an error signing you up. Please try again later.

Advertisement

Anonymous

This is not cacio e pepe nor is it carbonara! It’s not even a combo of the two…and what is her obsession with putting peas in everything!? I’m with Raffi. Maybe for a kids party.

See All Reviews