RecipeShare
pasta
Alfredo
cacio e pepe
creamy
Italian
23 April 2025

Alfredo e Pepe

JojoM

Alfredo e Pepe Image

A rich and creamy pasta dish that blends Alfredo-style sauce with the punchy simplicity of cacio e pepe.

Why You’ll Love This Alfredo e Pepe

  • 🧀 Ultra-creamy sauce made with a roux base and half & half
  • 🧂 Double cheese punch from pecorino and parmesan
  • 🌶️ Loads of black pepper for that signature bite
  • ⏱️ Foolproof and fast — done in under 30 minutes
  • 💡 No cream required — half & half keeps it lighter but still rich

“It’s like Alfredo and cacio e pepe had a baby. Creamy, cheesy, peppery perfection.” – Sophie, 5⭐ review


Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Butter and flour (for the roux)
  • Half & half (not heavy cream!)
  • Grated pecorino and parmesan
  • Plenty of coarse black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • Fettuccine or your favorite pasta
  • Olive oil, extra cheese and pepper to garnish

👉 See the full recipe here


How to Make Alfredo e Pepe

  1. Create the base – Melt butter in a pot, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute.
  2. Add half & half – Whisk until smooth, bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Cook your pasta – Fettuccine is ideal, but tagliatelle or bucatini work too. Don’t forget to reserve pasta water!
  4. Off the heat – Stir in salt, pepper, parmesan, and pecorino. Let the residual heat melt the cheese.
  5. Combine & emulsify – Add pasta, a splash of pasta water, and toss. The starch will create a velvety sauce that clings to every strand.

Pro Tips for the Best Alfredo e Pepe

  • Use freshly cracked pepper – Pre-ground won’t deliver the same aroma or bite.
  • Don’t overheat the cheese – Add it off the heat to keep your sauce smooth and creamy.
  • Adjust thickness – Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  • Finish like a pro – A drizzle of olive oil, a shower of cheese, and a final crack of pepper take it over the top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use milk instead of half & half?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less creamy. Whole milk is your best alternative.

What if I don’t have pecorino?
Use all parmesan, or substitute with Grana Padano. The flavor won’t be as sharp, but it’ll still be delicious.

Is this like Fettuccine Alfredo?
Yes, but with a bold twist! Alfredo e Pepe adds a punch of pepper and sharper cheeses, bridging Italian-American and Roman traditions.


Serve With...

  • 🥗 A simple arugula salad
  • 🥖 Garlic bread or focaccia
  • 🍷 A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Verdicchio

Whether you're a pasta purist or just a fan of easy comfort food, this Alfredo e Pepe recipe deserves a spot in your dinner rotation. It’s cheesy, creamy, peppery magic—and it comes together faster than you can say buon appetito.

👉 Try it tonight, and don’t forget to leave a review or tag us on Instagram @recipeshare.app!

Alfredo e Pepe

JojoM

A rich and creamy pasta dish that blends Alfredo-style sauce with the punchy simplicity of cacio e pepe.

Alfredo e Pepe image
pasta
Alfredo
cacio e pepe
creamy
Italian
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings
4

Chef's Tips

  • Reserve pasta water to help emulsify the sauce.

  • Use freshly cracked black pepper for maximum flavor.

  • Don’t boil the sauce after adding cheese to avoid graininess.

Tools Used

We use affiliate links, which may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Ingredients

USMetric

Sauce

Pasta

Instructions

Make the Sauce

  1. 1

    Melt butter in a warm pot and whisk in flour. Cook for 1 minute.

  2. 2

    Add half & half, whisk to combine, and bring to a low simmer.

Cook Pasta

  1. 1

    Boil the fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Combine and Serve

  1. 1

    Remove sauce from heat and stir in salt, black pepper, and both cheeses until melted.

  2. 2

    Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss and shimmy the pot until the sauce emulsifies.

  3. 3

    Serve immediately with more grated cheese, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Comments & Reviews

  • Sophie

    4/20/2025

    Absolutely delicious! Loved how creamy it turned out. I added a touch of garlic for extra flavor.

  • Marco

    4/21/2025

    Great recipe but I think next time I’ll cut back on the salt a bit. Otherwise, super tasty!

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Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 280g)

Calories 620
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 32g41%
Saturated Fat 13g65%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 85mg28%
Sodium 850mg37%
Total Carbohydrates 60g22%
Dietary Fiber 2g7%
Sugars 5g
Protein 21g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.