Even a slow poke can swing this quick and easy dinner.

Gone are the days of slurping Cocoa Puffs in fancy oat milk and calling it a meal.

Gone are the days of skipping dinner because Id rather nap.

Yotam Ottolenghi Cacio e Pepe with Za’atar

Simply Recipes / Photo Illustration by Wanda Abraham / Myo Quinn

Since this scenario plays out 365 days a year, Ive become an expert at whipping up dinner.

Then, use this starchy water to emulsify (i.e.

thicken and make creamy) the sauce.

Ingredients to make Yotam Ottolenghi’s za’atar cacio e pepe

Simply Recipes / Myo Quinn

Try it once and you’ll be whipping it up for dinner on repeat.

Use the widest pot or braiser you own.

Plus, the wider the pot, the faster the water will boil.

two pots next to each other

Simply Recipes / Myo Quinn

Add the bucatini, and cook it until al dente following package instructions.

Stir occasionally so that the strands dont stick to each other.

While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a high-sided pan set over medium heat.

Za’atar cacio e pepe in a pot

Simply Recipes / Myo Quinn

Stir in the zaatar and black pepper.

Use tongs to scoop the cooked pasta into the butter.

The sauce will thicken and become silky.

Turn off the heat.

Stir in half of the grated Pecorino or Parm until fully melted, then stir in the other half.

Serve warm with more cheese and zaatar sprinkled on top.

And I can never find fresh marjoram at the store.

I’m sure it would be delicious with both.

BUY THE COOKBOOK:Flavorby Yotam Ottolenghi