Black Pepper Pasta
Black Pepper Pasta is a simple yet sophisticated dish that celebrates the bold, aromatic flavor of freshly cracked black pepper. This quick and easy recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or an elevated lunch. Al dente spaghetti is tossed in a buttery, pepper-infused sauce, enriched with the nutty creaminess of Parmesan cheese and a touch of olive oil for balance. The secret to its silky texture lies in using starchy pasta water to create a luscious emulsion that clings to every strand of spaghetti. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and an optional herbal note. This minimalist Italian-inspired recipe is proof that a handful of pantry staples can transform into an irresistible, restaurant-quality meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams spaghetti
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 60 grams Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pasta water
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, allowing the butter to melt completely.
Add the freshly cracked black pepper to the skillet and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, to release its aroma.
Lower the heat to medium-low and add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir and let it simmer for about 1 minute to create a base for the sauce.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the noodles evenly in the butter-pepper mixture.
Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese while tossing the pasta, ensuring the cheese melts and combines with the sauce.
If the sauce appears too thick, add more of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter for a glossy finish. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, if necessary.
Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large bowl. Garnish with chopped parsley, if using, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1171 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 67.8 g | 87% | |
| Saturated Fat | 35.1 g | 176% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 117 mg | 39% | |
| Sodium | 2456 mg | 107% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 99.6 g | 36% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.6 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.8 g | ||
| Protein | 41.2 g | 82% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 716 mg | 55% | |
| Iron | 4.3 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 294 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
