Truffle Cacio e Pepe Pasta Recipe

Truffle Cacio e Pepe Pasta Recipe

Cacio e Pepe is a quintessential Italian pasta dish known for its minimalist approach. With just a few basic ingredients, it’s a meal that exemplifies the elegance of simplicity. Traditionally, it relies on pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and pasta water to form a creamy sauce that envelops the noodles. However, when you introduce Giorgio White Truffle Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, you’re infusing the dish with a luxurious, aromatic flavor that elevates this classic to new heights. The truffle oil introduces a distinctive depth, enhancing the earthy richness of the Parmesan cheese and the heat of freshly ground black pepper.

This Truffle Cacio e Pepe Pasta is perfect for those who appreciate the balance between luxury and simplicity. Whether preparing it for a romantic date night, a sophisticated dinner party, or simply treating yourself to something special, this dish is sure to impress with its bold yet elegant flavor profile.

Ingredients

• Kosher salt (for pasta water)
• 12 ounces spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons Giorgio White Truffle Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tablespoon very coarse freshly ground black pepper
• 1 3/4 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

The foundation of this dish begins with perfectly cooked pasta. The key here is using plenty of salted water, which ensures the pasta is properly seasoned from the inside out.

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding a generous amount of kosher salt. You want the water to be salty, as it will flavor the pasta.
2. Add 12 ounces of spaghetti (or another pasta shape if preferred).
3. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, usually for about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Be sure to reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. This starchy water will play a crucial role in creating the creamy sauce.

Tip:
The pasta water is an essential part of the dish. It’s full of starch, which helps emulsify the sauce and ensures that it clings to the pasta, creating a creamy texture.

Step 2: Heat Butter and Truffle Oil

As the pasta cooks, it’s time to prepare the base of the sauce. This step introduces the richness of butter and the luxurious essence of truffle oil, which will form the foundation for the creamy sauce.

1. Heat 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Let the butter melt until it starts to foam.
2. Add 3 tablespoons of Giorgio White Truffle Extra-Virgin Olive Oil to the pan. The combination of butter and truffle oil creates a decadent base for the sauce, infusing the pasta with a unique aroma.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of very coarse freshly ground black pepper to the skillet. Stir the pepper constantly as it cooks for about 1 minute. This step is crucial because it toasts the pepper, bringing out its fragrant oils and deepening its flavor.

Pro Tip:
The black pepper is what gives Cacio e Pepe its signature spicy kick. If you prefer a stronger heat, feel free to add more freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Toss the Pasta

Now that the sauce base is ready, it’s time to marry the pasta with the buttery truffle sauce.

1. Drain the pasta, reserving about 3/4 cup of the cooking water.
2. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the butter and truffle oil mixture.
3. Pour in the reserved pasta water slowly, tossing the pasta to coat it with the sauce. This starchy water will help to bind the sauce to the pasta and make it creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit more pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 4: Add Parmesan Cheese

The star of the dish is the Parmesan cheese. As the pasta is tossed with the sauce, the cheese melts into a creamy, luscious coating that sticks beautifully to the pasta.

1. Add 1 3/4 cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta.
2. Toss continuously to help the cheese melt and form a creamy sauce that evenly coats the pasta. The heat from the pasta and the sauce will melt the cheese, creating a smooth texture.
3. If the sauce becomes too thick at any point, add a little more reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Why freshly grated cheese?
Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best, silky texture, always use freshly grated Parmesan.

Step 5: Serve

Once the pasta is perfectly coated with the creamy, truffle-infused sauce, it’s time to plate.

1. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning, adding more kosher salt if necessary.
2. Divide the pasta into four bowls or plates.
3. Serve with additional grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of richness and flavor.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Truffle Cacio e Pepe Pasta

• Don’t skip the pasta water: As mentioned earlier, pasta water is essential for achieving the creamy texture in Cacio e Pepe. Its starch helps bind the sauce to the noodles, making every bite silky and smooth.
• Use freshly grated cheese: Always go for the real deal. Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt well, which could result in a gritty or clumpy sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan is crucial for a smooth finish.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes: While spaghetti is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or even rigatoni. Choose the shape that holds the sauce best and gives you the texture you prefer.
• Adjust the pepper to taste: Cacio e Pepe is known for its bold black pepper flavor. Adjust the amount based on how much heat you want. For a spicier dish, use a bit more black pepper.

Why Giorgio Truffle Oil?

Truffle oil, especially Giorgio White Truffle Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, is a premium product that transforms dishes with its luxurious flavor. Giorgio Truffle Oil is made from real white truffles, giving it an authentic, rich truffle aroma that enhances the natural flavors of your dish. It’s a versatile oil that can be used to elevate everything from pasta to salads, roasted vegetables, and popcorn.

What makes Giorgio Truffle Oil special?

• It’s made with high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and real truffles, not artificial flavors.
• The oil’s aromatic fragrance is potent enough to bring the luxury of truffles into your home, elevating even the simplest dishes.
• It’s a more accessible and affordable option compared to fresh truffles, which are often hard to find and expensive.

For more inspiration on how to use Giorgio Truffle Oil, check out more recipes at Giorgio Truffle Shop.

How to Serve Truffle Cacio e Pepe Pasta

While this dish is delicious on its own, you can pair it with complementary Italian favorites:

• Garlic bread: A crispy, buttery side to soak up any extra sauce.
• Roasted vegetables: Try zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli for a light, flavorful accompaniment that balances the richness of the pasta.
• A crisp green salad: Opt for a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess of the pasta and add a touch of acidity.
• Wine pairings: A Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio works beautifully with this dish, as both wines have the acidity and crispness to balance the richness.

Conclusion

This Truffle Cacio e Pepe Pasta combines the elegance of Italian comfort food with the luxury of truffles. With just a few ingredients—butter, truffle oil, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and pasta—this dish becomes a celebration of flavor. The Giorgio White Truffle Extra-Virgin Olive Oil adds an aromatic, rich essence that turns an otherwise simple pasta dish into a gourmet masterpiece.

Perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special celebrations, this Truffle Cacio e Pepe will become a go-to recipe for anyone who loves the comfort of pasta and the indulgence of truffle flavor.

Explore more ways to incorporate Giorgio Truffle Oil into your meals by visiting the Giorgio Truffle Shop and discovering all the possibilities for transforming ordinary dishes into extraordinary ones.