Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie

Featured in: Warm Family Meals

This dish combines al dente spaghetti coated in a creamy mixture of Pecorino Romano, eggs, cream, and black pepper. The mixture is pressed into a buttered, breadcrumb-dusted pan and baked until crisp and golden on top. With each slice, you enjoy layers of crispy pasta and a creamy, flavorful center. For extra texture, a quick broil finishes it off. Ideal served warm alongside fresh greens or a light wine.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 14:38:00 GMT
Golden brown Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie, crispy crust with cheesy and peppery topping, ready to slice. Save to Pinterest
Golden brown Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie, crispy crust with cheesy and peppery topping, ready to slice. | mellowspice.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 served this to friends and family and everyone loved the crispy crust combined with the peppery cheese filling.

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

Step 1:
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.
Step 2:
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.
Step 3:
In a large bowl whisk together eggs heavy cream melted butter Pecorino Romano Parmesan (if using) and black pepper until smooth.
Step 4:
Add the drained spaghetti to the egg-cheese mixture and toss thoroughly to coat every strand.
Step 5:
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.
Step 6:
Bake for 35 40 minutes or until the pie is set and the top is crisp and golden.
Step 7:
Cool for 10 minutes then run a knife around the edge and release the springform pan. Slice and serve warm.
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| mellowspice.com

I cherish the family moments when we all gather around to enjoy this warm comforting pasta pie on chilly evenings.

Notes

Serve 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.

Delicious baked Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie, showing a perfectly formed slice, oozing with creamy cheese. Save to Pinterest
Delicious baked Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie, showing a perfectly formed slice, oozing with creamy cheese. | mellowspice.com

This pasta pie is perfect for a cozy dinner and can be served warm or at room temperature.

Recipe FAQs

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Spaghetti is traditional, cooked just shy of al dente to retain firmness during baking and crisping.

Can I substitute Pecorino Romano cheese?

Yes, Parmesan can be used for a milder flavor, though Pecorino offers the classic sharp, salty taste.

How do I achieve a crispy top layer?

Baking until golden brown and finishing with a brief broil ensures a crunchy surface with tender layers beneath.

Should the pasta be cooled before mixing?

Allowing pasta to cool slightly prevents the eggs from scrambling when mixed, resulting in a smooth texture.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Fresh arugula salad and a chilled white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complement the rich, savory flavors beautifully.

Cacio e Pepe Pasta Pie

Crispy baked pasta with Pecorino Romano and cracked black pepper for comforting layered flavors and golden texture.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Overall Time
60 minutes
Created by Hannah Clarke

Recipe Category Warm Family Meals

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Italian

Total Yield 6 Number of Servings

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly

What You 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 (plus extra for topping)

For the Pan

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

How To Make

Step 01

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

Step 02

Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain and cool slightly.

Step 03

Mix Cheese Sauce: Whisk eggs, heavy cream, melted butter, Pecorino Romano, Parmesan if using, and black pepper together in a large bowl until smooth.

Step 04

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add drained spaghetti to the cheese mixture and toss thoroughly to evenly coat all strands.

Step 05

Assemble and Bake: Transfer mixture into prepared pan, spreading evenly and pressing gently. Sprinkle additional Pecorino and black pepper on top if desired. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until set and golden.

Step 06

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

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review all components for potential allergens and talk to your doctor with any questions.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and eggs

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutritional breakdown is for your information and isn't a substitute for health advice.
  • Total Calories: 465
  • Total Fat: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 19 g