Black Pepper Pasta

Black Pepper Pasta is a simple yet sophisticated dish that celebrates the bold, aromatic flavor of freshly cracked black pepper. This quick and easy recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or an elevated lunch. Al dente spaghetti is tossed in a buttery, pepper-infused sauce, enriched with the nutty creaminess of Parmesan cheese and a touch of olive oil for balance. The secret to its silky texture lies in using starchy pasta water to create a luscious emulsion that clings to every strand of spaghetti. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and an optional herbal note. This minimalist Italian-inspired recipe is proof that a handful of pantry staples can transform into an irresistible, restaurant-quality meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 300 grams spaghetti
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 60 grams Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pasta water
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, allowing the butter to melt completely.

Step 3

Add the freshly cracked black pepper to the skillet and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, to release its aroma.

Step 4

Lower the heat to medium-low and add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir and let it simmer for about 1 minute to create a base for the sauce.

Step 5

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the noodles evenly in the butter-pepper mixture.

Step 6

Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese while tossing the pasta, ensuring the cheese melts and combines with the sauce.

Step 7

If the sauce appears too thick, add more of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 8

Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter for a glossy finish. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, if necessary.

Step 9

Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large bowl. Garnish with chopped parsley, if using, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	670 grams (670.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1181

Total Fat 69.80g	89%
Saturated Fat 34.70g	174%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 141mg	47%
Sodium 3292mg	143%
Total Carbohydrate 99.10g	36%
Dietary Fiber 6.80g	24%
Total Sugars 2.90g
Protein 41.20g	82%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 741mg	57%
Iron 7mg	40%
Potassium 342mg	7%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.8%

Protein: 13.9%

Carbs: 33.3%