Arteflame Alla Gricia: A Smoky Twist on an Italian Classic

Alla Gricia is one of Italy’s most beloved pasta dishes, known for its rich simplicity and bold flavor. This version brings the recipe outdoors, using an Arteflame grill to give the guanciale a lightly smoked, caramelized finish that elevates every bite. It’s fast, rustic, and perfect for anyone who loves traditional Roman cooking with a modern grilling twist. Whether you're hosting guests or making a cozy weeknight meal, this grilled Alla Gricia will deliver authentic taste with irresistible charred depth.

Ingredients

• 8 oz guanciale, sliced into strips
• 12 oz dry rigatoni or mezze rigatoni
• 1 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Kosher salt (for pasta water)

Instructions

Step 1:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta.
2. Cook until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

Step 2:

1. Heat your Arteflame grill to medium-high.
2. Place the guanciale on the hot cooktop and sear until crisp and golden.
3. Transfer the rendered fat to a heatproof bowl.

Step 3:

1. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the guanciale fat.
2. Sprinkle in Pecorino Romano and plenty of black pepper.
3. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring until creamy.

Step 4:

1. Fold in the crispy guanciale.
2. Adjust seasoning and serve immediately.

Tips

To achieve the perfect creamy texture without clumping, combine the cheese and pasta water off direct heat. The residual warmth gently melts the Pecorino without turning it grainy. Guanciale delivers the most authentic flavor, but quality pancetta works in a pinch. Always save more pasta water than you think you need; it’s your key to adjusting consistency and enhancing the final sauce.

Variations

Once you master classic Alla Gricia, it’s easy to explore small twists while keeping the soul of the dish intact. These ideas add subtle personality without losing the Roman foundation.

• Use smoked Pecorino for deeper flavor.
• Add grilled onions for sweetness.
• Swap rigatoni for bucatini.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Mix guanciale with a bit of grilled pork belly.

Best pairings

This rich, savory pasta pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides and wines that balance its saltiness and depth. Choose accompaniments that highlight the smokiness from the grill without overpowering the dish’s simplicity.

• Chilled Pinot Grigio or Vermentino
• Simple arugula salad with lemon
• Grilled asparagus or broccolini
• Fresh crusty bread

Conclusion

This Arteflame Alla Gricia transforms a Roman classic into a rustic outdoor dish full of smoky character and traditional flavor. It’s quick to prepare yet unforgettable, making it an ideal recipe for gatherings or weeknight cooking. With just a few high-quality ingredients and the heat of your grill, you can recreate an authentic Italian experience at home.

Enjoy the balance of crispy guanciale, creamy Pecorino, and perfectly coated pasta—comforting, bold, and unmistakably Roman.