Lunch: Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe

Pasta cacio e pepe ("cheese and pepper") is made with Pecorino Romano (a tangy aged sheep's-milk cheese originally from Rome) and lots of freshly ground black pepper.

Ingredients

3/4 lb. spaghetti
3/4 c. freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1/3 c. Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 tbsp. coarsely ground black pepper
salt

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the cheeses.
Return the pasta to the pot. Working quickly, add 6 tablespoons of the reserved cooking water, 2 tablespoons at a time, alternating with the cheeses; toss well to thoroughly coat the pasta between additions. Sprinkle on the black pepper and season the pasta with salt; toss again.
Transfer the pasta to a warmed serving bowl. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of cooking water, as necessary, tossing until a creamy sauce forms. Serve right away.

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