Description
Description:
A perfect fusion of Carbonara and Amatriciana, this Pasta alla Zozzona features crispy pancetta, Italian sausage, and a rich tomato sauce, finished with a creamy egg and Pecorino Romano mixture. The result? A silky, flavorful dish thatโs indulgent and satisfying.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 3/4 cup pancetta (cut into small pieces)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casing removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, if needed)
- 2 cups tomato sauce or passata
- 1 sprig fresh basil
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 cup Pecorino Romano (grated)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh basil and extra cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pancetta:
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat.
- Add pancetta and cook slowly until golden and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
-
Brown the Sausage:
- If needed, add olive oil to the pan.
- Cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.
-
Simmer the Tomato Sauce:
- Pour in the tomato sauce or passata and stir well.
- Add the basil sprig and simmer on medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning as needed.
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil rigatoni pasta in well-salted water according to package instructions.
- Reserve ยผ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
-
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta directly into the simmered sauce and toss to coat.
-
Prepare the Pecorino Mixture:
- In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolks and Pecorino Romano.
- Slowly add ยผ cup of slightly cooled pasta water, stirring well.
-
Finish with the Egg Mixture:
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cheese and egg mixture.
- Add the cooked pancetta and gently toss until creamy.
-
Serve & Garnish:
- Plate the pasta and top with extra Pecorino Romano and fresh basil.
Notes
- Avoid scrambled eggs! Add the egg mixture off the heat to maintain a silky sauce.
- Adjust consistency: If the sauce thickens too much, loosen it with reserved pasta water.
- Best served fresh! The sauce is at its peak right after cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 789
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 155mg