Creamy Basil Parmesan Cacio e Pepe

Fresh basil, flavorful Parmesan, and glossy bucatini noodles twirled together into one dreamy bite. This Cacio e Pepe is like adult mac and cheese, but kids will love it, too.

Creamy Basil Parmesan Cacio e Pepe

Fresh basil, flavorful Parmesan, and glossy bucatini noodles twirled together into one dreamy bite. This Cacio e Pepe is like adult mac and cheese, but kids will love it, too.

Servings
4
Prep Time
20 MIN
Cook Time
20 MIN
Ingredients
12 oz. spaghetti or bucatini noodles, cooked to package instructions
1 cup cup fresh basil leaves
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (more to taste)
1 cup reserved pasta water
1 cup Borden® Shredded Parmesan Cheese
½ cup Borden® Mozzarella or Queso Fresco (optional, for extra creaminess)
Steps
1
COOK the pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2
BLEND the basil: In a food processor or blender, pulse basil with 2 tbsp of the reserved hot pasta water until smooth.
3
BUILD Build the sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and black pepper; cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in basil puree.
4
BAKE 12–15 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
5
TOSS it together: Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir in Borden® Parmesan (and Mozzarella, if using) until the sauce is creamy and coats the noodles.
6
FINISH it with salt, garnish with extra basil + extra parmesan, and serve immediately.