Cacio e Uova (Neapolitan Egg and Cheese Pasta)

Cacio e uova brings together the direct, comforting character of Neapolitan home cooking: pasta coated in a warm emulsion of egg, pecorino Romano, olive oil and black pepper. Rather than a heavy cream sauce, the richness comes from the eggs being stirred through off the heat, where they thicken gently into a glossy coating instead of scrambling. The result is savoury, peppery and satisfyingly simple, with the salty bite of pecorino doing much of the work. It is best served immediately, while the sauce is still silky and clinging to the pasta.
Cuisine style Neapolitan home cooking
Cooking style Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 30 minutes

Why this recipe works

  • Fast weeknight cooking: The sauce comes together while the pasta cooks, keeping the whole dish comfortably under 30 minutes.
  • Creamy without cream: Eggs, pecorino and starchy pasta water emulsify into a glossy coating when tossed off the heat.
  • Simple ingredients, clear flavour: Pecorino Romano, black pepper and olive oil give the pasta a savoury, peppery finish without needing a long sauce.

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Timing notes

  • Serve straight away: The sauce is at its best immediately after tossing, while it is glossy and fluid. As it cools, the eggs and cheese will thicken.
  • Prepare the sauce first: Whisk the eggs, cheese and pepper before the pasta is drained so the hot pasta can be tossed without delay.

Texture tips

  • Keep the sauce silky: Remove the pot from the heat before adding the egg mixture, then toss constantly so the residual heat thickens the sauce gently.
  • Loosen gradually: Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce coats the pasta smoothly rather than turning watery.

Ingredient notes

  • Pecorino matters: Pecorino Romano gives the dish its salty, sharp character. Parmesan can be used for a milder, softer flavour.
  • Use suitable eggs: Because the eggs are gently set off the heat, choose eggs that are appropriate for lightly cooked preparations, especially when serving vulnerable people.

Authenticity notes

  • Neapolitan simplicity: Cacio e uova is a rustic, homestyle pasta built around eggs, cheese and pepper rather than a slow-cooked sauce.
  • Heat control is central: The defining technique is finishing the pasta off the heat, using residual warmth and pasta water to create a creamy emulsion.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Bring a large pot of water to the boil and season it with the fine sea salt. In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs with most of the pecorino Romano cheese, reserving a small handful for serving. Whisk in half the black pepper.
  2. Add the egg pasta nest to the boiling water and cook until just al dente. Scoop out about 150 ml of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Return the pot to the hob over low heat.
  3. Add the extra virgin olive oil to the pot, then add the drained pasta and toss for 30 seconds to coat and cool it slightly. Take the pot off the heat and pour in the egg and cheese mixture, tossing constantly with tongs. Add a splash of reserved pasta water as needed until the pasta is glossy and creamy, not claggy.
  4. Taste and adjust with a little more black pepper if you like. Divide between bowls and finish with the reserved pecorino Romano cheese. Serve straight away while the sauce is silky.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • To avoid scrambling, make sure the pot is off the heat before adding the egg mixture, and keep the pasta moving constantly.
  • Use the reserved pasta water a little at a time; it should loosen the sauce into a glossy coating rather than a thin liquid.
  • If serving anyone vulnerable, use eggs that are suitable for eating lightly cooked, as the sauce is set gently off the heat.

Substitutions

  • Replace Extra virgin olive oil with Olive oil for a slightly milder finish.
  • Replace Pecorino Romano cheese with Parmesan for a softer, less salty flavour.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Cool quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water, stirring constantly until piping hot; avoid high heat to prevent the eggs turning grainy.

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Cacio e Uova (Neapolitan Egg and Cheese Pasta)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 25min (20min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Allergens:
    Eggs Gluten Milk Wheat
Beginner friendly Kid friendly

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