A delicate harmony of Parmesan cheese, black pepper, rich butter, and a subtle drizzle of olive oil elevates this timeless take on traditional Parmesan pasta to new heights of simplicity and sophistication. Ease of preparation matches its flawless execution.
Parmesan Pasta
When it comes to whipping up a crowd-pleasing meal in no time, few things compare to the versatility and ease of pasta. However, what truly sets this pasta dish apart from others is its unique blend of flavors and textures.
Regardless of whether you opt for a standalone vegetarian main course accompanied by a refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad or complement it with a hearty meat dish such as Baked Italian Chicken, this recipe is bound to delight.
Cacio e Pepe
This recipe offers a subtle twist on the timeless Italian staple, cacio e pepe – a phrase that quite literally means ‘cheese and pepper’. The original recipe simply pairs pasta with Pecorino Romano cheese, seasoned by nothing more than black pepper and salt.
With its effortless preparation, harmonious blend of tastes, and affordability, it’s no wonder this recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
We incorporate Parmesan cheese due to personal taste and availability, as I prefer not to undertake unnecessary errands or stock up on ingredients solely for a single recipe.
Parmesan Pepper Pasta
To prepare a classic weeknight option, Parmesan and pepper pasta, gather these essential components:
- bucatini or spaghetti
- kosher salt
- olive oil
- butter
- Parmesan cheese
- black peppercorns
Pepper Pasta
The addition of this pepper elevates the entire dish to a new level. Ensure your pepper is freshly ground and apply it liberally.
Avoid being swayed into diminishing the specified quantity of pepper. While the cheese, butter, and olive oil do somewhat temper the boldness of the black pepper, they don’t completely eliminate its fiery kick?
Utilize the finest grind setting available on your peppermill to freshly mill the pepper. Without a pepper grinder, grind peppercorns with a mortar and pestle or crush them in a resealable plastic bag using a meat tenderiser, mallet, rolling pin or even a hammer for effective results.
Opting for a rolling pin requires selecting a sturdy one that can withstand being banged against the counter without fear of breaking or chipping. Don’t overwhelm them with harsh criticism from the get-go. Begin by gently opening the eggs, then proceed to strike them with a firm motion to achieve the optimal texture.
To prepare this pasta dish, begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil, then stir in one to two tablespoons of salt. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, ensuring it reaches an al dente texture by the end of the cooking process. Pasta must achieve a delicate balance: tender to the taste, yet still possessing a hint of firmness that defies the palate’s expectations.
As you cook the pasta, heat a large, high-quality skillet – such as an enamel or non-stick option – over medium heat, warming the oil and melting the butter to perfection. Add the pepper and allow it to cook for approximately 20-30 seconds, or until its aroma fills the air. Remove from the heat.
Once the pasta reaches al dente, employ tongs to delicately transfer it straight into the pan containing the melted butter and pepper.
With the pan still on medium heat, pour approximately one-third to one-half cup of reserved pasta water into the skillet, and rapidly combine the noodles with the butter and pepper by tossing them together.
Toss the mixture with approximately one-quarter of the total amount of cheese, ensuring even coverage before adding the remaining portion. With a judicious sprinkle of extra grated cheese and a cautious trickle of water added to taste, adjust the sauce’s consistency only when the pasta seems parched.
Served immediately with an additional sprinkling of cheese and a pinch more pepper, to taste.
Why not explore a variety of simple yet satisfying pasta dishes with these additional suggestions? You can create a decadent, comforting stovetop macaroni and cheese from scratch, rivaling the speed and ease of boxed mixes, all within the same timeframe. Here’s an entirely different take on this text:
This hearty, creamy pasta dish featuring sautéed bell peppers and savory sausage is a quick-fix favorite for the whole family, ready in just 20 minutes. One dinner that’s sure to please: my family devours this mouthwatering Cajun-style sausage pasta without fail, anytime we gather around the table.
Mushroom spinach pasta achieves a harmonious balance of garlicky depth and subtle heat, showcasing the beauty of understated yet rich flavors. Here: Perfectly cooked al dente pasta is elevated by a delicate pan sauce comprising white wine or rich chicken stock, caramelized onion, pungent garlic, earthy mushrooms, wilted spinach, and nutty Parmesan cheese.
Savory aromas waft from a harmonious blend of fragrant garlic, earthy mushrooms, caramelized onions, and juicy tomatoes, all lovingly sautéed in rich butter before being tossed with al dente pasta and a bright splash of fresh lemon juice to create the epitome of comfort cuisine.
