Cacio e Pepe
A Roman pasta dish of only three ingredients: dried pasta (spaghetti or tonnarelli), Pecorino Romano, and black pepper. The cheese is emulsified with pasta water to create a creamy sauce with no fat added.
Allergen data cross-referenced against published allergen databases.
Your dietary restrictions
The full allergen breakdown is below. Select your restrictions to see a personalized safety status.
Full allergen breakdown
Ingredients
- spaghetti or tonnarelli (dried pasta) (Gluten)
- Pecorino Romano
- black pepper
- pasta cooking water (Gluten)
Hidden Ingredients
These ingredients are not typically listed on menus but are present in traditional preparations.
- Pecorino Romano is the sauce — dairy is the entire point of the dish
- some restaurants mix in Parmigiano alongside Pecorino
- pasta is wheat
Allergen Breakdown
Dairy-Free
Likely contains restrictionPecorino Romano is the sauce. The dish cannot exist without it.
Gluten-Free
Likely contains restrictionMade from dried pasta (wheat semolina).
Peanut-Free
Likely OKNo peanuts in cacio e pepe.
Tree Nut-Free
Likely OKNo tree nuts in cacio e pepe.
Shellfish-Free
Likely OKNo shellfish in cacio e pepe.
Egg-Free
Likely OKDried pasta is egg-free (semolina + water only).
Fish-Free
Likely OKNo fish in cacio e pepe.
Soy-Free
Likely OKNo soy in cacio e pepe.
Sesame-Free
Likely OKNo sesame in cacio e pepe.
Vegetarian
Likely OKFully vegetarian (cheese and pasta).
| Restriction | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy-Free | Likely contains restriction | Pecorino Romano is the sauce. The dish cannot exist without it. |
| Gluten-Free | Likely contains restriction | Made from dried pasta (wheat semolina). |
| Peanut-Free | Likely OK | No peanuts in cacio e pepe. |
| Tree Nut-Free | Likely OK | No tree nuts in cacio e pepe. |
| Shellfish-Free | Likely OK | No shellfish in cacio e pepe. |
| Egg-Free | Likely OK | Dried pasta is egg-free (semolina + water only). |
| Fish-Free | Likely OK | No fish in cacio e pepe. |
| Soy-Free | Likely OK | No soy in cacio e pepe. |
| Sesame-Free | Likely OK | No sesame in cacio e pepe. |
| Vegetarian | Likely OK | Fully vegetarian (cheese and pasta). |
Key risk: Cacio e pepe's name tells you everything: 'cacio' is cheese and 'pepe' is pepper. The dish IS cheese sauce on pasta. There is no version without Pecorino Romano. The technique (emulsifying with pasta water) just shows that the cheese is so central it provides the fat for the sauce.
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Scan a menu nowImportant: Dish Scout is a reference guide, not medical advice. Traditional recipes vary by restaurant, region, and chef. Always verify ingredients with restaurant staff before ordering. When in doubt, don't eat it.