The Cacio E Pepe Chicken takes the beloved Italian pasta classic and transforms it into a cozy, creamy chicken dish. The flavor of sharp cheese, cracked black pepper, and tender chicken blends beautifully into a sauce that’s comforting and full of character. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something easy yet elegant.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (plus more for garnish)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp butter
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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¾ cup chicken broth
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¾ cup heavy cream
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1 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
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½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Time
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 25 minutes
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Total time: 35 minutes
Serving
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Serves 4
Instructions
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Season and sear the chicken:
Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside. -
Make the sauce base:
In the same pan, lower the heat and add butter. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. -
Add liquids:
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. -
Add cheese:
Gradually whisk in Pecorino Romano and Parmesan until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Add lemon juice if desired. -
Combine:
Return the chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer on low for another 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and coated in sauce. -
Serve:
Sprinkle with more black pepper and chopped parsley. Serve hot with spaghetti, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Tips
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Use freshly grated cheese for a smooth, non-grainy sauce.
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Add extra broth if the sauce thickens too much.
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For a twist, serve over linguine and toss everything together for a pasta-style meal.
Nutrition (per serving)
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Calories: 420
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Protein: 36g
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Fat: 28g
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Carbohydrates: 3g
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Sodium: 610mg
The Cacio E Pepe Chicken brings the simplicity of Italy’s favorite flavors to your table — creamy, peppery, and irresistibly rich. It’s a restaurant-worthy meal made easy at home.
