top of page

Pasta alla Pecorara | Roman Ricotta & Guanciale Pasta Recipe

  • Writer: Pasta Grammar
    Pasta Grammar
  • Jun 11, 2023
  • 2 min read

This Roman pasta dish recipe uses all of the same ingredients as a classic carbonara, with one major exception: it substitutes ricotta cheese in place of eggs. Otherwise, the preparation of the sauce with crispy guanciale meat and pecorino cheese is basically the same. Simple and easy to make, you might find that you prefer this variation to the better-known carbonara!


pasta-alla-pecorara-carbonara-alternative-ricotta-pecorino-cheese-guanciale-rome-roman-italian-rigatoni
Pasta alla Pecorara | Roman Ricotta & Guanciale Pasta Recipe


The Secret to Making an Amazing Pasta alla Pecorara


In a way, Pasta alla Pecorara is easier to make than a carbonara, because there’s no risk whatsoever of accidentally overcooking the eggs in a hot pan.


The challenge here isn’t preparing the ricotta, but finding an excellent ricotta. For most people, this means making it at home. In the US, for instance, no stores sell anything close to good ricotta (it’s not even ricotta, by definition). In our experience, even specialty Italian markets sell a fake substitute, we’re sorry to report. The popular lemon juice or vinegar method for making “homemade ricotta,” while definitely better than anything store-bought, is still not the real deal.


To have a Pasta alla Pecorara that will make you question ever eating carbonara again, you’ll likely need to make your own ricotta in the traditional Italian way. Check out our guide on how to do it here! If you can’t make the cheese yourself, try to find the best quality ricotta you can and perhaps use a little extra pecorino to add some more flavor.


Watch the Pasta Grammar video where we make Pasta alla Pecorara here:



PASTA ALLA PECORARA RECIPE


Makes: 2 servings

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes


For this recipe, you will need:

  • 2.5 oz. (70g) guanciale, skin trimmed and chopped into small cubes or strips

  • Salt

  • 5.5 oz. (160g) rigatoni pasta

  • 4.5 oz. (130g) ricotta

  • 2 oz. (55g) grated pecorino cheese, or to taste

  • Fresh black pepper

  • Pasta pot

  • Large pan

  • Wooden spoon

  • Mixing bowl

  • Slotted spoon


Put a large pot of water on to boil and salt it generously. While the water comes up to temp, place the cubed guanciale into a large pan over medium heat. Sauté until they release plenty of fat and start to become crispy. Turn off the heat. If you like, you can remove and set aside some pieces of guanciale for topping later.


When the water comes to a rolling boil, add the rigatoni and cook as directed or until al dente to your taste. While the pasta boils, mix the ricotta and pecorino cheese with plenty of black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Stir in a few spoonfuls of pasta water until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Taste the mixture and add more pecorino, if desired.



When the pasta is ready, turn the guanciale heat back on and transfer the pasta into the pan using a slotted spoon. Stir the pasta until it is well-coated in the guanciale fat. Transfer the contents of the pan into the ricotta bowl and mix thoroughly. If necessary, you can thin the ricotta sauce by adding a few more spoonfuls of pasta water.


Serve immediately, topped with any extra pieces of guanciale you set aside earlier.


Buon appetito!


Want to compare this dish to a classic carbonara? Check out our authentic recipe here! It's not really a fair comparison without using an excellent ricotta, which you can learn how to make yourself with our full guide here.



33 Comments


Ulfat Miskeen
Ulfat Miskeen
10 hours ago

I recently explored KheloStar and was thoroughly impressed by its comprehensive offerings. The platform seamlessly blends a vast array of casino games, including classics like Baccarat, Roulette, and Andar Bahar, with a dynamic sportsbook featuring live betting on cricket, football, and tennis . Whether you're a casual player or a seasoned bettor, KheloStar provides an engaging and secure environment to enjoy your favorite games.

To know more visit on:https://khelostar.org.in/

Like

Jason Slaterctgt
Jason Slaterctgt
2 days ago

Great platform for sports and casino gaming! I found the interface smooth, and the betting options are diverse—especially for cricket and live casino games. The quick payouts and 24/7 support make it even better. Keep up the good work, Lotus365!

To know more visit on:https://lotus365india.ind.in/

Like

Simon Leeder
Simon Leeder
May 02

I've been using Reddy Book Solutions for a few weeks now, and I have to say it's been incredibly helpful for my studies. The explanations are clear, step-by-step, and easy to follow—especially in subjects like Math and Science where detailed solutions make a big difference. Thanks for providing such a useful resource! Looking forward to more updates and new content.

To know more visit on: https://reddybook.solutions

Like

Annemieke.Goedertier
Apr 30

I've been using Lotus365 for a few months now, and it's honestly one of the most user-friendly betting platforms I've come across. The variety of sports and casino games is impressive, and the site feels secure and reliable. The Lotus365 login process is quick and hassle-free, which makes it easy to jump into the action without delays. Highly recommend it for anyone looking to explore online betting with a trusted platform!

visit on:https://lotus365s.com.in/

Like

borov friss
borov friss
Apr 27

Completely agree with you — swapping eggs for ricotta sounds like a brilliant twist, and honestly, sometimes these simple changes make the dish even more enjoyable. Speaking of clever ideas, it reminds me a bit of how tech evolves too. At The Frontend Company, for example, their team has real expertise in modern technologies, working with top frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js. If you're interested, they’ve got a great piece about their skills as an angular development company that's worth a look.

Like
bottom of page