4ouncesdiced pancettaor guanciale or bacon (recipe note),
12ouncesbucatini pasta
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Put a large pot of salted water on to boil.
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and Pecorino Romano; set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium heat. Add pancetta; cook and stir until the fat begins to render and the edges are starting to crisp, 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat.
Meanwhile, cook bucatini according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite). Reserve 1 cup pasta water then drain pasta in a colander and transfer immediately to pancetta in pot and stir to combine.
Whisk a scant quarter cup of hot pasta water into the egg and cheese mixture to temper eggs. Pour tempered egg mixture over pasta and pancetta in a steady stream, stirring constantly. Continue to stir until well combined, adding more pasta water as needed. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately, garnished with more Pecorino Romano if desired.
Video
Notes
Guanciale is traditional for this recipe, but can be challenging to find. Pancetta or bacon stand in nicely.