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Cacio e Pepe Macaroni and Cheese
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Description
A riff on the classic Roman cacio e pepe: three-cheese bechamel with mozzarella, Parmesan and Pecorino Romano make a creamy, extra-cheesy sauce base! Add tons of toasted, crushed black peppercorns and fold everything together with cavatappi pasta. All made on the stovetop and done in less than 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 1 pound cavatappi pasta
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups (8 ounces) coarsely grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (about 2 ounces) ground Pecorino cheese
- 1/4 cup (about 1 ounce) ground Parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- Toast the peppercorns: In a small skillet over medium heat, add the peppercorns and toast until fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and transfer to a mortar and pestle, spice grinder or cutting board to crush with the back of a knife or a meat pounder. Grind until the peppercorns are a mixture of coarsely and finely ground.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the cavatappi and cook according to package directions minus 1 minute cooking time. Reserve about 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the pasta.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter; once melted, whisk in the flour. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the mixture is a light golden brown. Slowly whisk the milk into the roux, ensuring no lumps are present. Bring to a simmer and cook until the mixture is thick and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from the heat and slowly stir in the cheese mixture, reserving a little Pecorino to sprinkle over the pasta at serving. Taste for seasonings and adjust if necessary; if your sauce is too thick, you can thin out with a little of the reserved pasta water until your desired consistency is reached. Stir in the toasted ground peppercorns and pasta, tossing until evenly coated. Serve with a sprinkle of Pecorino cheese and additional coarse ground pepper, if desired.
Notes
Inspiration: Cacio e Pepe Macaroni and Cheese on acozykitchen.com
- Category: Pasta, Vegetarian
Find it online: https://nevernothungry.com/cacio-e-pepe-macaroni-and-cheese/