Name: Cacio E Pepe Chicken: The Ultimate Creamy Pecorino and Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt, to taste; 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese; 2 tablespoons freshly cracked black pepper, plus more for serving; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Introduction

Cacio E Pepe Chicken is a mouthwatering twist on the classic Italian pasta dish, featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, peppery Pecorino Romano sauce. This recipe is simple to make and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

The dish shows two pieces of crispy golden brown chicken with a slightly rough texture on top, sprinkled with grated white cheese and fresh green parsley leaves. The chicken rests in a creamy, light beige sauce speckled with black pepper and small bits of onion. A thick, bright yellow lemon wedge is placed on the left side of the plate. The food is served on a white plate with a silver fork placed on the right side, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
2 tablespoons freshly cracked black pepper, plus more for serving
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt on both sides.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Add the chicken breasts and sauté for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked through.
Step 4: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Step 5: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet; let it melt.
Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream, then add the grated Pecorino Romano cheese and cracked black pepper, mixing until smooth.
Step 7: Return chicken to the skillet, coating it with the creamy sauce; simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
Step 8: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
Step 9: Plate the chicken, spoon extra sauce over the top, and garnish with extra black pepper and chopped parsley.
Step 10: Serve warm with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil and black pepper for 30 minutes before cooking.
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less rich.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a subtle brightness that balances the richness.
Serve over pasta or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover Cacio E Pepe Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of four roasted chicken thighs placed in a dark pan filled with a creamy sauce. Each chicken piece has a crispy golden-brown skin with visible black pepper and small green herb sprinkles on top. The creamy sauce is light yellow with a smooth texture, containing soft cooked onions and small green herb bits scattered around. The chicken thighs sit closely together, slightly submerged in the sauce, with a few browned edges visible. The whole dish is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of Pecorino Romano?

While Pecorino Romano gives this dish its distinctive flavor, you can substitute it with Parmesan if needed. Parmesan will offer a milder taste but still delivers a nice cheesy richness.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this dish reheats well and can be prepared in advance. Keep the chicken and sauce refrigerated separately if possible to maintain the best texture when reheating.