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Cacio e Pepe

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Cacio e Pepe is a classic Roman pasta dish made with just a few simple ingredients: pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and pasta water. Despite its simplicity, it delivers a rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful sauce created through technique rather than heavy ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 12 manicotti pasta shells

    • 2 cups ricotta cheese

    • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

    • 1 large egg

    • 2 cups marinara sauce

    • 2 cloves garlic, minced

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil

    • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

    • 1/2 teaspoon salt

    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

    • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook manicotti shells until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and cool slightly.

  • In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.

  • In a large bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, sautéed garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix well.

  • Spread 1 cup marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a baking dish.

  • Fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or piping bag.

  • Arrange filled shells in a single layer in the baking dish.

  • Pour remaining marinara sauce over the top.

  • Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.

  • Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

  • Let rest for 5 minutes before serving

Notes

Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a meat-filled version.Mix in chopped spinach for added nutrition.Use part ricotta and part cottage cheese for a lighter filling.Substitute gluten-free manicotti if needed.Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking.Freeze unbaked manicotti for up to 3 months.

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/cacio-e-pepe/