Guanciale Pasta

Steps

1. Crisp the guanciale in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat until the fat renders out. Once the guanciale is crisped to your liking, transfer the meat to a bowl, then remove the pan from the heat and set aside.

2. While the guanciale is crisping, cook your pasta of choice in a large pot of boiling water, stirring occasionally, until pasta is 3 minutes shy of the package time. Save 1.5 cups the pasta water, then drain the pasta without rinsing.

3. Add 3/4 cups pasta water to the skillet and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, swirling often to emulsify the pasta water and rendered fat, about 1 minute. Add the pasta to the pan and continue swirling until pasta is cooked al dente and the sauce becomes thick and glossy, 2 minutes. Tip: use silicone covered tongs to avoid breaking the pasta.

4. Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the crisped guanciale cubes, pepper, and two-thirds of the grated Pecorino. Toss well to melt the cheese and combine. Enjoy immediately topped off with the remaining Pecorino.