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Pasta alla Zozzona: The Roman recipe combining Amatriciana, Carbonara & Gricia

The Roman recipe that fuses the best of Amatriciana, Carbonara, Gricia, and Cacio e Pepe into one opulent and delicious dish.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: First course
Cuisine: Italiana
Servings: 2
Calories: 983kcal

Ingredients

  • 180 g rigatoni or mezze maniche pasta
  • 100 g guanciale
  • 100 g fresh sausage
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 200 g grated tomato
  • 60 g grated Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Salt

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water with salt to a boil for the pasta.
  • Cut the guanciale into small cubes or strips and the sausage into small pieces (you can remove the sausage skin if you prefer).
  • Brown the guanciale and the sausage: In a large pan, cook the guanciale over medium-low heat without adding oil, so that it releases its own fat. Once browned, remove it and set it aside.
  • With a little of the guanciale fat (without overdoing it), cook the sausage until it is nicely browned.
  • Prepare the tomato sauce: Add the peeled tomato (slightly crushed) to the pan with the sausage.
  • Cook for 5–7 minutes until the tomato reduces slightly, tasting and adjusting the salt as needed.
  • Incorporate part of the reserved guanciale and mix well.
  • Egg and cheese mixture: In a bowl, mix the 2 egg yolks with the grated cheese (Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano) and add plenty of freshly ground black pepper.
  • Add a little of the guanciale fat to obtain a creamier mixture.
  • Cook the pasta until al dente in the boiling water.
  • Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water, and add it directly to the pan with the tomato and sausage sauce.
  • Mix well so that the pasta absorbs the flavor.
  • Finalize the sauce: Remove the pan from the heat and, using the residual warmth, incorporate the egg and cheese mixture, stirring quickly to prevent the egg from scrambling.
  • If necessary, add a little of the reserved cooking water to achieve the desired consistency.
  • Serve immediately, garnishing with the remaining crispy guanciale, a little extra grated cheese, and an additional touch of black pepper.

Video

Notes

  • Control the fat: Remove some of the fat from the guanciale and sausage if the dish turns out too heavy.
  • Taste before salting: The ingredients already contribute salt, so adjust carefully.
  • The secret to creaminess: Remove the pan from the heat before adding the egg mixture to avoid curdling.