How to Make Spaghetti alla Gricia - A Step-by-Step Guide

Spaghetti alla Gricia is a classic Roman pasta dish that has been enjoyed for centuries by both locals and visitors to the Eternal City. This simple yet delicious recipe is a testament to the flavors of Italian cuisine, featuring just a handful of high quality ingredients that come together to create a truly unforgettable meal. With its origins dating back to the 19th century, Spaghetti alla Gricia has become a staple of Roman cuisine and is loved for its rich, savory flavors and comforting a...

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound thick spaghetti
  • 8 ounces guanciale (smoked pork jowl), thinly sliced
  • black pepper to taste
  • 3 ounces finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese, divided

Information

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 25 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 servings

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally.
  • While pasta cooks, immediately heat a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add guanciale and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add 1 ladle of pasta cooking water, stir, and cover pan. As pasta cooks, add another ladle of cooking water to the pan with the guanciale to create a sauce.
  • At about 10 minutes of pasta cooking time, reserve a cup of cooking water and drain pasta. Add spaghetti to the pan with the guanciale; toss, adding reserved cooking water if necessary. Turn off heat. Add 1/3 the Pecorino Romano cheese to the pasta and toss until creamy.
  • Divide pasta between 4 plates. Top each with remaining Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper. Serve immediately.
  • Nutrition

    875 cal.

    • Total Fat: 47g
    • Saturated Fat: 18g
    • Cholesterol: 73mg
    • Sodium: 276mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 86g
    • Dietary Fiber: 4g
    • Total Sugars: 3g
    • Protein: 25g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 253mg
    • Iron: 4mg
    • Potassium: 359mg