Dinner

Rigatoni alla Gricia

Rigatoni with crisp guanciale, pecorino and lots of black pepper. The ancestor of carbonara and amatriciana.

Prep
5 min
Cook
15 min
Serves
4
Level
Easy
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Rigatoni alla Gricia
Photo: Moira Nazzari on Unsplash

Gricia is carbonara without the egg. The sauce is made by emulsifying pork fat, cheese and pasta water.

Work quickly and toss well for a glossy, creamy coating.

Rigatoni alla Gricia

20 min total · approx. 610 kcal per serving

Ingredients

Servings 4

Method

  1. Fry the guanciale in a large dry pan until crisp and golden. Turn off the heat.
  2. Cook the pasta until just al dente, keeping a mugful of water.
  3. Add the pasta and a splash of water to the pan with the pork. Toss over a low heat.
  4. Add the pecorino and pepper a little at a time, tossing and adding water, until creamy. Serve at once.
Cook's noteTake the pan off the heat before adding the cheese so it doesn't turn stringy.

Calories are an estimate per serving. Diet tags are a guide only: always check ingredient labels for allergens, and see our food safety note.