Recipes

Orzo Cacio e Pepe

Published: 

Orzo Cacio e Pepe
Portions
3 - 4

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cup orzo
  • Salt
  • 1–2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup finely grated Pecorino cheese
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Directions

  1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil over high heat and season with a ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir in the orzo and cook for 6 to 8 minutes or just until al dente.
  2. Meanwhile, place a skillet over medium heat. Toast 1 teaspoon of pepper until it smells spicy and fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  3. Turn the heat down to medium-low and, using a mesh strainer, scoop the noodles straight into the pan with the pepper. Add ½ cup of the remaining cooking liquid to the pan along with the Pecorino and Parmigiano and stir and toss vigorously until a creamy sauce forms, adding more pasta cooking liquid if needed.
  4. Season to taste with salt and extra pepper, if needed, and serve immediately.