Cacio e Pepe

🧂 Ingredients

• 3/4 tsp salt ($0.02)
• 1/2 lb dry spaghetti* ($0.59)
• 4 Tbsp salted butter, divided** ($0.50)
• 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper plus more for garnish*** ($0.17)
• 1 cup Parmesan, grated, plus more for garnish**** ($1.75)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   In a large skillet bring 6 cups of water and 3/4 teaspoon of salt to a boil. Add the dry spaghetti and cook for two minutes less than the package directions call for.

2. 2

   Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti. Place the spaghetti in a bowl and set it close to the stove to keep it warm.

3. 3

   In the same pan you cooked the spaghetti, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the black pepper over medium heat. Cook until fragrant.

4. 4

   Add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to the pan and stir until a glossy sauce forms.

5. 5

   Turn the heat down to low and add the spaghetti to the pan. Top with the grated parmesan and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.

6. 6

   Use tongs to quickly mix the parmesan, butter, spaghetti, and pepper sauce until a creamy sauce forms. Serve immediately and garnish with additional pepper and parmesan cheese.