This Extra Creamy Cacio e Uova is the ultimate comfort food for pasta lovers. The combination of creamy eggs, two types of cheese, and freshly grated Pecorino Romano creates a rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick weeknight meal.
The grated egg adds an unexpected twist, blending seamlessly into the smooth, velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta. It’s simple, but the depth of flavor will have you coming back for more. The luxurious richness of this dish makes it feel indulgent without being overly complicated.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 pound spaghetti
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4 large eggs
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
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1 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
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1/2 cup pasta water
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 9 minutes.
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In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs, Pecorino Romano, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Set aside.
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In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Once the pasta is done, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
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Add the hot pasta to the skillet, and gradually add the reserved pasta water while stirring to create a creamy sauce.
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Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, stirring quickly to prevent the eggs from scrambling, until it forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
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Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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Grate more cheese over the top before serving for an extra cheesy touch.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 640 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Versatility of Cacio e Uova
Cacio e uova is one of those versatile dishes that can easily become a weeknight go-to or be elevated for a special occasion. The simplicity of its ingredients—eggs, cheese, pasta, butter, and a few seasonings—makes it an ideal dish for quick, satisfying meals. What makes this recipe unique, though, is its balance of flavors and textures. The richness of the Pecorino Romano and Parmesan cheeses melds beautifully with the silky eggs, creating a velvety, creamy sauce that coats the pasta in the most comforting way. Meanwhile, the hard-boiled egg topping provides an unexpected, yet delightful, texture that contrasts with the creaminess of the sauce.
The lemon zest not only brings a fresh, citrusy note but also cuts through the heaviness of the creamy sauce, offering a balance of flavors that will leave you craving more. The crispy, toasted breadcrumbs provide a textural contrast and are a fun, crunchy topping that adds complexity to the overall dish. The addition of finely chopped parsley gives a fresh herbal note that ties the entire dish together.
A Vegetarian Twist on Classic Italian Pasta
Though the traditional version of cacio e uova may use lard, this variation opts for butter, making it suitable for those following a vegetarian diet. Butter, which has a creamy texture and a rich flavor, works beautifully in this dish to achieve a smooth and velvety sauce without the need for animal fats. The richness of the butter complements the eggs and cheese perfectly, creating a luxurious mouthfeel with every bite.
Unlike many pasta dishes that require a heavy tomato or meat sauce, cacio e uova allows the pasta and eggs to shine. By using simple, quality ingredients like fresh eggs, Pecorino Romano, and Parmesan cheese, this dish celebrates the beauty of Italian cuisine, where the focus is often on enhancing the natural flavors of a few key components.
The Role of Pasta in Cacio e Uova
Typically, short, tubular pasta like rigatoni or mezze maniche is used for cacio e uova because the sauce clings to the ridges of the pasta, creating a perfect balance of creamy sauce with every bite. While this recipe calls for rigatoni, you can easily swap in your favorite pasta shape, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, depending on personal preference. However, the traditional choice of rigatoni allows for an indulgent bite, as the sauce nests in the pasta’s hollow interior.
When cooking the pasta, it’s essential to reserve some of the starchy pasta water. This water, once mixed with the egg and cheese sauce, helps emulsify and create a creamy consistency, ensuring that the sauce will coat the pasta without becoming too thick or clumpy. It’s this starchy pasta water that plays a crucial role in making the sauce smooth and silky, with just the right amount of cling.
A Dish That Comes Together in Minutes
One of the best aspects of this dish is how quickly it comes together. Despite its rich and decadent flavor, cacio e uova is relatively quick to prepare. In just under 40 minutes, you can prepare this dish from start to finish. The combination of pasta boiling, egg mixing, and quick sautéing in a skillet results in a fast, satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family or served as a beautiful dinner for guests.
While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the hard-boiled eggs, which will add both texture and flavor to the finished dish. These eggs are grated on a rasp grater, resulting in fine, fluffy shreds that top the dish beautifully and enhance its egg flavor. The addition of the crispy toasted breadcrumbs is another quick step that can be done while the pasta is cooking, allowing you to prepare the dish efficiently while still achieving a sophisticated, multi-layered texture.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance. The richness of the cheese and eggs is offset by the freshness of the lemon zest and parsley, while the toasted breadcrumbs add crunch and texture. The grated hard-boiled eggs, an unexpected twist, give the dish a light, fluffy feel that complements the creaminess of the sauce. Every bite is a delightful combination of creamy, crunchy, and savory elements, making this dish truly special.
Whether you’re looking for a new vegetarian pasta recipe or simply craving the comforting taste of creamy cheese and eggs, this extra creamy cacio e uova will not disappoint. It’s easy to make, yet it feels indulgent and sophisticated enough to serve to guests. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a luxurious pasta dish that is both satisfying and comforting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Extra Creamy Cacio e Uova with Grated Egg is a perfect example of how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create an unforgettable dish. The rich, creamy sauce, combined with the crunchy breadcrumbs and the fluffy texture of grated hard-boiled eggs, elevates the classic Italian pasta into something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is a great addition to your culinary repertoire. It’s quick, versatile, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Try it today and indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Italian favorite!