Spaghetti with Sautéed Guanciale and Pecorino

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional Roman pasta dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed with crispy guanciale and a creamy sauce made from Pecorino cheese and egg. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, guanciale, Pecorino Romano cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tbsp salt. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 4 oz guanciale, cooking for 5-7 minutes until crisp, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk 1 large egg with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the guanciale, then pour the egg mixture over the pasta, tossing constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce coats the strands and thickens.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, adding more reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a creamy consistency, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spaghetti with Sautéed Guanciale and Pecorino take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spaghetti with Sautéed Guanciale and Pecorino?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spaghetti with Sautéed Guanciale and Pecorino?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spaghetti with Sautéed Guanciale and Pecorino for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spaghetti with Sautéed Guanciale and Pecorino?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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