Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie

Featured in: Quick Comfort Snacks

This baked pasta pie blends al dente spaghetti with creamy Pecorino Romano, eggs, and butter, seasoned with freshly cracked black pepper. The mixture is pressed into a buttered, breadcrumb-dusted pan and baked until crisp and golden. It offers a satisfying texture contrast between crispy edges and a creamy center, making it a comforting Italian-inspired dish perfect for sharing.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:04:00 GMT
Golden-brown Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie, crispy outside, oozing cheesy goodness, perfect for sharing. Save
Golden-brown Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie, crispy outside, oozing cheesy goodness, perfect for sharing. | tazzsip.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 became a household favorite after I discovered how easy it was to make a crispy, cheesy pasta pie that holds its shape perfectly for slicing and serving.

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℃ (400℉) Grease a 23 cm (9-inch) springform pan with butter and dust with breadcrumbs tapping out the excess
Cook Spaghetti:
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
Make Mixture:
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
A slice of baked Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie shows off its cheesy interior and peppered crust. Save
A slice of baked Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie shows off its cheesy interior and peppered crust. | tazzsip.com

This dish has brought my family together for many cozy dinners especially during chilly evenings when comfort food is a must

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

Freshly baked and sliceable Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie, with a comforting aroma, ready to eat. Save
Freshly baked and sliceable Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie, with a comforting aroma, ready to eat. | tazzsip.com

This pasta pie is a perfect blend of texture and flavor sure to impress your guests with minimal effort

Recipe Guide

What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti is ideal for this dish as it holds the mixture well and crisps nicely during baking.

Can I substitute Pecorino Romano?

Yes, Parmesan cheese can be used, but Pecorino provides a distinctive sharpness that enhances the flavor.

How is the pasta cooked before baking?

Cook the spaghetti until just al dente, slightly undercooked to avoid becoming mushy once baked.

What makes the top crispy?

Butter and fine breadcrumbs used to grease and dust the pan ensure a crispy crust forms during baking.

Can I add more pepper on top?

Extra freshly cracked black pepper sprinkled on top before baking adds a bright, spicy finish.

Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie

Golden baked spaghetti with Pecorino and cracked black pepper for a crispy, creamy finish.

Setup duration
20 min
Heat duration
40 min
Complete duration
60 min
Created by Daniel Brooks

Classification Quick Comfort Snacks

Complexity Medium

Heritage Italian

Output 6 Portions

Nutrition specifications 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)

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Cook 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.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the egg and cheese mixture, tossing thoroughly to coat every strand.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance when uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and eggs.

Dietary information (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 465
  • Fats: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 19 g