Cacio E Pepe Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for 5 Recipe
Cacio E Pepe Chicken is a rich and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines simple ingredients for an elegant meal that comes together quickly on the stovetop, perfect for a weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
Sauce
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt evenly to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Heat Olive Oil: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to get hot for a perfect sear.
- Cook Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and sauté them for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
- Remove Chicken: Carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover it to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium, add the butter to the same skillet, and let it melt. Then, pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to blend with the butter.
- Add Cheese and Pepper: Gradually stir in the grated Pecorino Romano cheese and freshly cracked black pepper, mixing continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, making sure to coat them thoroughly with the creamy pepper sauce. Allow them to simmer together for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and chicken mixture and add additional salt or black pepper if needed to suit your preference.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken to serving plates, spoon extra sauce over each piece, and garnish generously with more freshly cracked black pepper and chopped fresh parsley.
- Enjoy: Serve the Cacio E Pepe Chicken warm alongside your favorite sides such as pasta, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor and aroma.
- Pecorino Romano cheese is preferred for authenticity, but Parmesan can be substituted if necessary.
- Adjust the cream quantity for a thicker or thinner sauce depending on your preference.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to maintain food safety.
- This recipe pairs well with simple sides like garlic roasted potatoes or sautéed greens.
- For a lighter option, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be as rich.
Keywords: Cacio E Pepe Chicken, creamy chicken recipe, Italian chicken, Pecorino Romano chicken, black pepper chicken, easy chicken dinner
