Pink Cacio e Pepe

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Looking for a romantic dinner idea that feels special but doesn’t keep you stuck in the kitchen all night? Pink Cacio e Pepe is the perfect Valentine’s Day pasta recipe. This elegant twist on the classic Italian dish delivers rich flavor, stunning color, and restaurant-quality results in minutes. Whether you’re planning a cozy date night at home or a quick gourmet meal, this pink pasta recipe proves that simple can still be unforgettable.

Ingredients

Pasta

• 100 g semolina flour
• 100 g all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6–8 drops red food coloring

Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked coarse black pepper
• Salt, to taste

Instructions For Pink Cacio e Pepe

1. In a medium bowl, combine both flours and salt. Mix well.
2. Create a well in the center and add eggs, olive oil, and red food coloring.
3. Using a fork, gradually mix the eggs into the flour until a dough forms.
4. Transfer dough to a flat surface and knead until smooth and pliable, similar to playdough.
5. Wrap the dough tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. Divide dough into four portions, keeping unused pieces covered.
7. Roll one portion at a time through a pasta machine until thin and slightly translucent.
8. Cut into tagliatelle strands or slice by hand into ¼-inch strips.
9. Bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil.
10. Cook fresh pasta for 30–45 seconds. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
11. In a pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter and add black pepper.
12. Cook until butter is lightly golden, then add pasta water and simmer briefly.
13. Add pasta, remaining butter, and Parmesan cheese. Toss until creamy and coated.
14. Adjust consistency with additional pasta water if needed.
15. Serve immediately with extra cheese and cracked pepper.

Pro Tips

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
• Don’t overcook fresh pasta—it cooks very quickly.
• Add pasta water gradually to prevent a watery sauce.

Why This Recipe

• Ready in just 15 minutes
• Perfect for romantic dinners and special occasions
• Minimal ingredients with bold flavor
• Elegant presentation with minimal effort

Substitutions & Variations

• Use store-bought fresh pasta to save time
• Swap tagliatelle for spaghetti or fettuccine
• Add a splash of beet juice instead of food coloring for a natural pink hue
• Finish with pink peppercorns for extra flair

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

• Make-Ahead: Pasta dough can be made up to 24 hours in advance
• Storage: Store cooked pasta in an airtight container for up to 2 days
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or butter

Serving Ideas for Pink Cacio e Pepe

• Pair with a crisp green salad
• Serve alongside garlic bread or focaccia
• Enjoy with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic rosé-style drink

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: ~520
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fat: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without a pasta machine?
Yes, roll the dough thin with a rolling pin and slice by hand.

Does the food coloring affect flavor?
No, it’s purely visual and doesn’t change the taste.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
Freshly grated cheese is recommended for best texture and flavor.

Pink Cacio e Pepe is proof that romance doesn’t have to be complicated. With its creamy texture, bold peppery bite, and eye-catching color, this dish is ideal for date nights, celebrations, or anytime you want a little elegance without the effort.

Pink Cacio e Pepe

Olivia taling

Pink Cacio e Pepe is a romantic twist on the classic Italian pasta dish, combining rich butter, freshly cracked black pepper, and creamy Parmesan cheese with eye-catching pink homemade pasta. Elegant yet simple, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just minutes, perfect for Valentine’s Day or a cozy date night.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2 servings

Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• fork
• plastic wrap
• pasta machine or rolling pin
• large pot
• skillet

Ingredients

  

• 100 g semolina flour
• 100 g all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 6–8 drops red food coloring
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp freshly cracked coarse black pepper
• salt, to taste

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, combine semolina flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Mix well.
• Create a well in the center and add eggs, olive oil, and red food coloring.
• Using a fork, gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a flat surface until smooth and pliable, similar to playdough.
• Wrap the dough tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• Divide the dough into four portions, keeping unused pieces covered.
• Roll one portion at a time through a pasta machine until thin and slightly translucent.
• Cut the pasta into tagliatelle strands or slice by hand into 1/4-inch strips.
• Bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook fresh pasta for 30–45 seconds. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
• In a pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter and add black pepper. Cook until lightly golden.
• Add reserved pasta water and simmer briefly.
• Add pasta, remaining butter, and Parmesan cheese. Toss until creamy and coated.
• Adjust consistency with additional pasta water if needed and serve immediately with extra cheese and cracked pepper.

Notes

The pink color can be adjusted by adding more or fewer drops of food coloring. Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce, and serve immediately for the creamiest texture. Pasta water should be added gradually to avoid a watery sauce.

Keyword pink cacio e pepe, pink pasta, romantic pasta recipe, valentine pasta

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?