Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie

Featured in: Hearty Comfort Dinners

This dish blends al dente spaghetti with a rich mix of Pecorino Romano, Parmesan, eggs, butter, and cracked black pepper. The mixture is pressed into a greased springform pan, sprinkled with extra cheese and pepper, then baked until golden and crisped on top. After cooling, it slices easily, offering satisfying textures and bold flavors. For extra crunch, a brief broil finishes the pie. Pair with arugula salad and chilled Pinot Grigio for a balanced meal.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:54:00 GMT
Golden-crusted Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie, crispy baked layers with creamy cheese and pepper. Save
Golden-crusted Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie, crispy baked layers with creamy cheese and pepper. | smokyfeast.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.

I first made this pasta pie to impress my family and was amazed at how quickly it disappeared from the table.

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.
Transfer to Pan:
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 the savory aroma: a sliceable Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie, bubbling and golden. Save
Imagine the savory aroma: a sliceable Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie, bubbling and golden. | smokyfeast.com

This dish has become a favorite family comfort food perfect for cozy dinners and sharing with loved ones.

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.

A comforting baked Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie featuring the delightful flavors of creamy cheese. Save
A comforting baked Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie featuring the delightful flavors of creamy cheese. | smokyfeast.com

This baked pasta pie combines comforting texture with bold flavors making it an irresistibly satisfying meal.

Kitchen Questions

How do I achieve a crispy top on the pasta pie?

Bake until the top is golden and crisp, then optionally broil for 2-3 minutes to enhance crunchiness without burning.

What type of cheese works best for this dish?

Pecorino Romano provides the classic sharp flavor, but Parmesan can be used alone or combined for depth.

How long should the spaghetti be cooked before mixing?

Cook spaghetti just shy of al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions, to prevent overcooking during baking.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking. Bake straight from the fridge, allowing extra time to heat through.

What pan size is recommended for baking?

A 23 cm (9-inch) springform pan is ideal for even baking and easy slicing once cooled.

Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie

Layers of crispy spaghetti, Pecorino, and black pepper baked golden for a comforting, sliceable dish.

Prep duration
20 min
Heat time
40 min
Complete duration
60 min
Created by Jackson Reed


Skill Level Medium

Heritage Italian

Output 6 Portions

Nutrition Labels Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Pasta

01 14 ounces spaghetti
02 1 tablespoon kosher salt (for pasta water)

Cheese and Sauce

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

For the Pan

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

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Mix Sauce: 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 each strand evenly.

Phase 05

Assemble in Pan: Transfer the coated spaghetti to the prepared pan, spreading evenly and pressing down gently. Optionally, sprinkle extra Pecorino and black pepper on top.

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Cool and Serve: Allow to cool for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the pan edge, release the springform, slice, and serve warm.

Kitchen Tools

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

Allergy Details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and eggs

Nutrition Details (per portion)

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