If you like Italian food, you’ll love this Spaghetti alla Gricia recipe. It’s one of Rome’s most famous pasta dishes.
It uses only a few ingredients: pork (guanciale), cheese (pecorino), pepper, and pasta. It’s quick, simple, and full of flavor.
This Spaghetti alla Gricia recipe is perfect for anyone who wants real Italian taste without too much work. You don’t need any special skills to cook it.
Just follow the steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal that feels like it came from a restaurant in Rome.
When I First Discovered It
I first had this Spaghetti alla Gricia recipe in Rome. I was at a small local restaurant. It was so tasty, I had to learn how to make it myself.
Tools You Need
- Big pot to boil pasta
- Frying pan or skillet
- Knife
- Tongs
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Spoon to stir
Ingredients You Need
- 400g (14 oz) spaghetti
- 200g (7 oz) guanciale (Italian pork), chopped
- 80g (2.8 oz) Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt for pasta water
How to Make It – Step by Step
Step 1: Boil water in a big pot. Add salt.
Step 2: Put in spaghetti. Cook until just soft.
Step 3: In a pan, cook the guanciale.
Step 4: Fry it until it’s golden and crispy.
Step 5: Save 1 cup of pasta water. Drain pasta.
Step 6: Put pasta in the pan with guanciale.
Step 7: Mix together over low heat.
Step 8: Add some pasta water. Stir to mix.
Step 9: Add grated cheese and black pepper.
Step 10: Mix until it turns into a creamy sauce.
Helpful Tips
- Use guanciale, not bacon or pancetta.
- Don’t wash pasta after boiling.
- Only use Pecorino cheese, not Parmesan.
- Save extra pasta water, just in case.
- Turn off the heat before adding cheese.
- Fresh pepper tastes better than pre-ground.
- Cook guanciale slowly for best flavor.
What to Eat with Spaghetti alla Gricia Recipe
1. Roasted Artichokes
These are soft, tasty, and go well with the pasta.
2. Tomato Bruschetta
Crispy bread with tomato and garlic makes a great side.
3. Arugula Salad
This fresh, peppery salad balances the rich pasta.
Final Thoughts
This Spaghetti alla Gricia recipe is simple but full of flavor. It’s a great dish for busy nights or special dinners.
With the right ingredients and a few steps, you’ll have a tasty meal everyone will love.
Spaghetti alla Gricia Recipe
Ingredients
- 400 g 14 oz spaghetti
- 200 g 7 oz guanciale (Italian pork), chopped
- 80 g 2.8 oz Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt for pasta water
Instructions
- Boil water in a big pot. Add salt.
- Put in spaghetti. Cook until just soft.
- In a pan, cook the guanciale.
- Fry it until it’s golden and crispy.
- Save 1 cup of pasta water. Drain pasta.
- Put pasta in the pan with guanciale.
- Mix together over low heat.
- Add some pasta water. Stir to mix.
- Add grated cheese and black pepper.
- Mix until it turns into a creamy sauce.
Notes
- Use guanciale, not bacon or pancetta.
- Don’t wash pasta after boiling.
- Only use Pecorino cheese, not Parmesan.
- Save extra pasta water, just in case.
- Turn off the heat before adding cheese.
- Fresh pepper tastes better than pre-ground.
- Cook guanciale slowly for best flavor.