Cacio e Pepe with Shrimp

I have heard the name of this dish a few times. I have never had nor tried to make it.  Honestly I don’t believe I ever gave it a second thought; that is until I watched someone make it on Guys Grocery Games last week. Then I go to the thought of; I can make that no problem. And if you haven’t you can too and you should. It is fast and very few ingredients. The only thing I want to mention is you have to finely grate the cheese, you need it to melt, or better yet disintegrate into the pasta and pasta water. Meaning you don’t want it to clump up into globs of cheese.

I didn’t want just a bowl of pasta so I sautéed a few garlic butter shrimp to add to the top and it made a lovely meal. I think you could add a side salad or some chicken and have a great weeknight meal that comes together quickly and with a few ingredients. Everyone could use a few quick satisfying meal plans in their back pocket. Check this one out and maybe it could be one of yours.

Before this food journey my family is on which started probably 15 plus years ago the pastas in my pantry were spaghetti and macaroni. Now I must have 10 different kinds in there. Bucatini made it’s way into our world probably 5 or so years ago and while don’t see it often at my local grocery store; when I do I grab a few packages of it. Now I have another use for it I’ll need to stock up even more.

Cacio e Pepe with Shrimp

dclarkabal
a quick weeknight dinner or side option with just 4 ingredients
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 16 ounce package dried pasta Bucatini or Spaghetti
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano plus more for serving
  • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 24 pieces extra large Shrimp peeled and deveined optional- 6 per person

Instructions
 

  • fill a large pot with water and season with salt. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling add the pasta, stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente, 6-8 minutes.
  • If you drain the pasta reserve a cup or so of the pasta water. Or remove the pasta to a large skillet and place over low heat.
  • add pasta water and the butter, toss together until the butter just melts.
  • add the grated cheese and black pepper and continue to toss together until the cheese melts and a creamy sauce forms.
  • Add to plate or bowl and top with more grated cheese just before serving.
Keyword bucatini, cacio e pepe, easy, pecorino romano, quick, weeknight

 

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