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Photo Credit: Elizabeth Newman

Giada's Cacio e Pepe with Pancetta and Arugula

5 MINPrep Time
30 MINCook Time
6Servings
(3)
by Giada De Laurentiis
Beginner
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Newman
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Cacio e Pepe might sound like an intimidating dish, but I promise you... it's so simple! The star of the show is pasta water, which helps create a really creamy pasta sauce with a blend of Parmesan and Pecorino cheese. In Rome, Cacio e Pepe is as simple as the pasta and the sauce, but I like to give it some more heft with arugula and pancetta. It turns it into a more "complete" meal, and now this is always a family favorite in my house.

Because it's such a simple dish and the pasta really shines, it's fun to use an interesting shape like the Cresto de Gallo above. My other favorites are Nodi Marini or even mezzi rigatoni, but any short pasta will be delicious. Don't have pancetta? Bacon works great here too, and can even add a lot of interesting smoky flavor to the whole dish.

Giada's Cacio e Pepe with Pancetta and Arugula
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Giada's Cacio E Pepe With Pancetta And Arugula

Category

Main Course pasta

Servings

6

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Image of Giada's Cacio E Pepe With Pancetta And Arugula

Ingredients

Instructions

  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 1½ 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 pepper and toast, stirring often, until fragrant. Add 1/2 cup of pasta water to the pan and scrape up all the bits that are sticking to the bottom.
  3. Add the pasta and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Add another 1/2 cup pasta water and stir to coat all of the pasta in the cheese. Add the pecorino and the butter and stir to combine, creating a light creamy cheese sauce. Add the arugula and cook until wilted. Add additional pasta water as needed to maintain the light sauce consistency. Serve with more grated cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Nutrition

Nutrition Serving Size
6
per serving
Calories
671
Amount/Serving % Daily Value
Carbs
59 grams
Protein
31 grams
Fat
34 grams
Saturated Fat
15 grams
Cholesterol
73 milligrams
Sodium
917 milligrams
Fiber
3 grams
Sugar
3 grams
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5 comments

  • Author's avatar image
    Brad - Feb 20
    ★★★★★
    ★★★★★

    Another Giada winner!
    Simple to make, lots of great harmonious flavors.
    Love the crispy pancetta, pepper and arugula together.

  • Author's avatar image
    Rob - Aug 31
    ★★★★★
    ★★★★★

    Absolutely amazing
    Simple and easy to make

  • Author's avatar image
    Steve Ruck - Jun 09
    ★★★★★
    ★★★★★

    Super fantastic recipe

  • Author's avatar image
    Rhonda Halliburton - Jun 09

    Can I use fresh spinach? Do not have arugula

  • Author's avatar image
    Victoria Filippelli-Corbett - Jun 09

    I think I'd add some sun dried tomatoes as well!

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