Spaghetti Alla Gricia

Prepare the ingredients. This is what will be on your plate - prepare the ingredients in advance so the work goes smoothly 🍝🔪 At the same time, put a pot of water for the pasta on the stove.

Cook the pasta. Once the water in the pot starts to boil, salt it and add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions so it is al dente.

Fry the guanciale. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat and fry the bacon (originally guanciale) for a few minutes until golden and the fat has rendered.

Add the pasta. Transfer the cooked pasta to the pan with the guanciale and add some of the pasta cooking water, approximately one ladle per two people.

Make the sauce. Return the pan to medium heat, generously pepper the contents and add grated cheese (originally pecorino, if you have it). Mix everything so a creamy sauce forms. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more pasta water. At this stage you can optionally add a knob of butter for a smoother flavor.

Plate the pasta. Turn off the heat and divide the pasta among plates.

Add more pepper. Grate cheese over each portion and pepper again

Serve. Serve 🧀✨