Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie

Featured in: Homemade Comforts

This baked pasta pie offers a playful twist on classic Roman flavors, marrying crispy spaghetti with creamy Pecorino Romano cheese and cracked black pepper. Lightly coated in a rich mixture of eggs, cream, and butter, and baked to a golden crisp, it delivers a sliceable, comforting dish perfect for any gathering. The method includes salting the pasta water, careful tossing to coat strands fully, and baking until the top forms a delectable crisp. Optional broiling at the end enhances texture, and serving suggestions include a fresh arugula salad and chilled white wine.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 14:39:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie, crispy on the outside with a cheesy, tempting interior. Save
Golden, bubbly Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie, crispy on the outside with a cheesy, tempting interior. | oventhyme.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 tried this recipe when craving Italian comfort food and was amazed at how the pasta pie held its shape perfectly while delivering tons of flavor in every bite.

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
Prepare 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
A slice of Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie, showcasing the golden crust and creamy, peppered filling. Save
A slice of Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie, showcasing the golden crust and creamy, peppered filling. | oventhyme.com

Making this pasta pie has become a family favorite especially when served with a simple arugula salad and a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio.

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 Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie, featuring a perfect, crispy crust and layers of pasta. Save
Freshly baked Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie, featuring a perfect, crispy crust and layers of pasta. | oventhyme.com

This crispy baked pasta pie is the perfect combination of creamy and crunchy making it an unforgettable Italian comfort dish.

Kitchen Guide

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

Ensure the pasta mixture is well spread in the pan and bake until golden. For extra crispiness, broil the top for the last 2–3 minutes.

Can I substitute Pecorino Romano with another cheese?

While Pecorino Romano provides a sharp, salty flavor, Parmesan can be used entirely for a milder taste, though it alters the classic profile.

What’s the ideal pasta texture before baking?

Cook the spaghetti just shy of al dente, about one minute less than package instructions, to ensure it holds texture after baking.

How should I prepare the pan for baking?

Grease a springform pan with unsalted butter and dust with fine breadcrumbs to prevent sticking and add subtle crunch to edges.

What accompaniments pair well with this dish?

A simple arugula salad and a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio complement the rich and creamy pasta pie beautifully.

Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie

Baked pasta layered with Pecorino Romano, cracked black pepper, and crispy golden edges for a warm comfort meal.

Prep duration
20 min
Kitchen time
40 min
Complete duration
60 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill level Medium

Heritage Italian

Output 6 Portions

Dietary requirements Meat-free

What you'll need

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

For the Pan

01 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for greasing)
02 2 tbsp 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 slightly.

Phase 03

Mix sauce: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, heavy cream, melted butter, Pecorino Romano, Parmesan (if using), and black pepper until smooth.

Phase 04

Combine pasta and sauce: Add drained spaghetti to the mixture and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Bake until set: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until firm and golden on top.

Phase 07

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

Kitchen tools needed

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

Allergy notes

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice when uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and eggs.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

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