Pasta Alla Gricia

Pasta Alla Gricia, my peeps! A dish to make all your special occasions unforgettable – it’s rich, creamy and has a real kick of heat. Perfect for romantic dinners, bringing some warmth to winter nights or simply just as a treat, this dish is a straight up flavour bomb!

Though it hails from the Lazio region of Italy, you really don’t need to be a Michelin-star chef to whip it up. All you need are the right ingredients, a little bit of love and elevating simplicity to an art form. Trust me, your taste buds will be on a joy ride. So, let’s get down to business!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes


• Cook Time: 20 minutes


• Total Time: 35 minutes


• Servings: 2 people


• Yield: 2 servings

Ready to cook up some magic with Pasta Alla Gricia? Scroll down and turn the heat up!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 200g spaghetti


• 100g guanciale (Italian cured pork cheek)


• 1 tsp black pepper


• 75g pecorino cheese


• A pinch of salt

As for the equipment, nothing over the top – you’ll need a large pot for boiling pasta, a saut�� pan and a grater for cheese.

Guanciale is the real deal here, peeps. It gives a depth of flavour that’s essential. If you can’t get your hands on it, you can use pancetta or thick-cut bacon instead. Similarly, pecorino cheese gives this recipe its signature creaminess, but if you’re in a pinch, Parmigiano Reggiano can do the job.

How To Make Pasta Alla Gricia

1. Firstly, on a medium heat, cook the guanciale until crispy.


2. While that’s sizzling away, cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al-dente.


3. Once cooked, mix pasta with guanciale, add lots of pepper and half of the pecorino.


4. Lastly, sprinkle the remaining pecorino to serve up your Pasta Alla Gricia.

Tips For The Best Results

• Always use salted boiling water for cooking pasta. It enhances the flavour.


• Cook the pasta al-dente. It should still have a slight bite to it.

Storage Tips

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container and it can last for a couple of days in the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use another type of pasta?

A: This dish traditionally uses spaghetti, but feel free to experiment.

Q: Is guanciale the only option for this recipe?

A: Guanciale adds a unique flavour, but pancetta or bacon can be used instead.

Nutritional Facts of Pasta Alla Gricia

The dish is high in protein and carbohydrates, and low in sugar. But remember, enjoy it in moderation!

Wrapping it up, Pasta Alla Gricia is a sure-fire winner. Serve it hot with a garnish of pecorino and black pepper, and a nice glass of red wine. Taste heaven in every bite!