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)

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.

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