Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie

Featured in: Comfort Baking

This golden baked dish combines crispy spaghetti strands coated in creamy Pecorino Romano and cracked black pepper. The mixture is pressed into a springform pan, baked until crisp and golden, and cooled slightly before slicing. The creamy sauce enriched with eggs and butter melds flavors beautifully, creating a comforting, sliceable main dish perfect for sharing. A final broil can add extra crispiness, balancing texture and rich, savory taste.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:15:00 GMT
Golden-crusted Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie, a flavorful, sliceable comfort food main dish. Save
Golden-crusted Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie, a flavorful, sliceable comfort food main dish. | butterhearth.com

A playful twist on the Roman classic, this baked pasta pie features layers of crispy spaghetti, creamy Pecorino Romano, and plenty of cracked black pepper, all baked to golden perfection for a comforting, sliceable dish.

This recipe quickly became a favorite in my household thanks to its crispy crust and creamy interior.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) spaghetti, 1 tbsp kosher salt (for pasta water)
  • Cheese and Sauce: 150 g (5 oz) finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese, 75 g (2.5 oz) finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional , for extra depth), 2 large eggs, 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream, 60 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter melted, 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (plus extra for topping)
  • For the Pan: 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for greasing), 2 tbsp fine breadcrumbs (for dusting)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) Grease a 23 cm (9-inch) springform pan with butter and dust with breadcrumbs tapping out the excess
Cook Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Cook the spaghetti until just al dente (about 1 minute less than package instructions) Drain and let cool slightly
Mix Sauce:
In a large bowl whisk together eggs heavy cream melted butter Pecorino Romano Parmesan (if using) and black pepper until smooth
Combine:
Add the drained spaghetti to the egg-cheese mixture and toss thoroughly to coat every strand
Assemble:
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan spreading it evenly and pressing down gently Sprinkle extra Pecorino and cracked black pepper on top if desired
Bake:
Bake for 35 40 minutes or until the pie is set and the top is crisp and golden
Cool and Serve:
Cool for 10 minutes then run a knife around the edge and release the springform pan Slice and serve warm
Imagine layers of crispy spaghetti in this rich Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie with a perfect crust. Save
Imagine layers of crispy spaghetti in this rich Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie with a perfect crust. | butterhearth.com

This dish is perfect for family dinners, often bringing everyone together over its crispy and creamy texture.

Required Tools

23 cm (9-inch) springform pan Large pot Mixing bowls Whisk Cheese grater

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten) milk eggs If unsure about cheese or pasta ingredients double-check labels for allergens

Nutritional Information

Calories 465 Total Fat 21 g Carbohydrates 48 g Protein 19 g per serving

This comforting Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie has perfectly cooked spaghetti coated in creamy cheese sauce. Save
This comforting Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie has perfectly cooked spaghetti coated in creamy cheese sauce. | butterhearth.com

A simple but delicious way to enjoy Italian flavors in a new form that your whole family will love.

Recipe Questions

→ What type of pasta is best for this dish?

Spaghetti works best as it crisps up nicely and holds the creamy sauce well when baked.

→ Can I substitute Pecorino Romano cheese?

Yes, Parmesan can be used for a milder flavor, but Pecorino offers the traditional sharpness essential to the dish.

→ How do I achieve the crispy top layer?

Dusting the pan with breadcrumbs and finishing with a broil for 2-3 minutes helps develop a golden, crispy crust.

→ Is it necessary to cool the pasta mixture before baking?

Allowing the cooked spaghetti to cool slightly prevents overcooking and helps maintain a firm texture once baked.

→ What sides pair well with this baked pasta dish?

A simple arugula salad and a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio complement the richness perfectly.

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Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie

Golden baked pasta with creamy Pecorino and cracked black pepper for a comforting sliceable dish.

Prep duration
20 min
Time to cook
40 min
Complete duration
60 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill Level Medium

Heritage Italian

Output 6 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free

Components

Pasta

01 14 oz spaghetti
02 1 tbsp kosher salt (for pasta water)

Cheese and Sauce

01 5 oz finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
02 2.5 oz finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
03 2 large eggs
04 1/2 cup heavy cream
05 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
06 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for topping

For the Pan

01 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for greasing)
02 2 tbsp fine breadcrumbs (for dusting)

Directions

Stage 01

Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter and dust with breadcrumbs, tapping out the excess.

Stage 02

Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until just al dente, about one minute less than package instructions. Drain and let cool slightly.

Stage 03

Make the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, melted butter, Pecorino Romano, Parmesan (if using), and black pepper until smooth.

Stage 04

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the cheese mixture and toss thoroughly to coat every strand evenly.

Stage 05

Assemble the Pie: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, spreading evenly and pressing gently. Sprinkle extra Pecorino and cracked black pepper on top as desired.

Stage 06

Bake Until Crisp: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the pie is set and the top is golden and crisp.

Stage 07

Rest and Serve: Cool for 10 minutes, run a knife around the edge to release the pan, then slice and serve warm.

Necessary tools

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Cheese grater

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consider consulting with a healthcare provider if you're unsure about certain ingredients.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and eggs.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 465
  • Fats: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Protein Content: 19 g

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