Penne Alla Gricia

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Characterized by its simplicity, premium ingredients, and strong flavors, Penne Alla Gricia is a classic Roman pasta dish that best embodies the core of Italian cuisine. Its name comes from the town of Grisciano in the province of Rieti; the beginnings are with shepherds in the Apennine Mountains. Four main ingredients make up this dish: black pepper, Pecorino Romano cheese, cured pork cheek, penne pasta.

Start by salted boiling water cooking the pasta until it reaches an al dente texture. Sauté chopped guanciale in another pan until it crisps and the fat is fully rendered. Pull the pasta from the boiling water and toss it into the pan holding the guanciale. For best flavor mix the pasta with freshly ground black pepper and grated Pecorino Romano cheese. To get a creamy sauce consistency, use very little pasta cooking water.

Representing Roman cuisine, Penne Alla Gricia embodies the ideas of “cucina povera,” whereby simple, readily available ingredients are deftly transformed into delicious meals. Often valued as a comforting evening meal or a festive gathering highlight, this dish forms a basic component in Roman trattorias and homes.

Modern variations call for using different pasta forms, deglaying the pan with white wine, and adding garlic to improve taste sensations. Popular both in Italy and abroad, Penne Alla Gricia shows how brilliantly flavors can be created from just a few main ingredients in Italian cuisine.

Penne Alla Gricia
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Penne Alla Gricia

Recipe by Travel S HelperCourse: MainCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

550

kcal

Penne alla Gricia stands among Rome’s most elemental preparations, a celebration of three ingredients rendered through careful technique. Strips of cured pork jowl—guanciale—are slowly rendered in a wide skillet until their fat turns translucent and their edges attain a delicate crispness. Meanwhile, penne is cooked in generously salted water to a precise al dente, then lifted directly into the skillet. A measure of the starchy cooking liquid binds with the warm fat as the pasta is tossed, forming a silky coating without cream. Finally, finely grated Pecorino Romano and a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper are worked in off the heat, creating a gently cohesive emulsion that clings to each tube. Served at once, the dish offers a succinct balance of savory depth, sharp cheese, and the tactile resistance of perfectly cooked pasta.

Ingredients

  • 400g penne pasta

  • 200g guanciale (cured pork jowl), cut into strips

  • 100g Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • Salt, for pasta water

Directions

  • Prepare the Guanciale - Place the guanciale strips in a large, cold skillet. Turn the heat to medium-low and cook slowly to render the fat, stirring occasionally, until the guanciale becomes crispy and golden brown. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and set aside, keeping the rendered fat in the pan.
  • Cook the Pasta - In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt. Cook the penne until it's just shy of al dente, as it will finish cooking in the skillet with the sauce. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
  • Combine Pasta and Guanciale - Reheat the skillet with the guanciale and rendered fat over medium heat. Add the drained penne to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the fat.
  • Create the Sauce - Gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to the skillet, stirring continuously to create a creamy emulsion. The starches in the pasta water will help bind the sauce.
  • Create the Sauce - Gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to the skillet, stirring continuously to create a creamy emulsion. The starches in the pasta water will help bind the sauce.
  • Add Cheese and Pepper - Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the grated Pecorino Romano over the pasta, stirring quickly to combine and prevent clumping. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper. If the sauce appears too thick, add more pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Serve - Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with additional Pecorino Romano and a final sprinkle of black pepper if desired.

Notes

  • Ingredient Quality - The success of Penne alla Gricia hinges on the quality of its ingredients. Authentic guanciale and Pecorino Romano are essential for achieving the traditional flavor.
  • Pasta Choice - While penne is used here, other pasta shapes like rigatoni or mezze maniche are also traditional choices for this dish.
  • Pasta Water - The reserved pasta water is crucial for emulsifying the sauce. Its starch content helps create a creamy texture without the need for additional fats or creams.
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