Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsRoccaMezze Rigatoni Alla Zozzona Recipe

Mezze Rigatoni Alla Zozzona Recipe

Inspired by Rocca
Time30m
Serves4

pork sausage, guanciale, pecorino romano

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Ingredients

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Pasta

Method

Cooking the Pasta

  1. 1

    Boil the Pasta

    In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Making the Sauce

  1. 2

    Cook the Guanciale and Sausage

    In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the guanciale and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Then, add the pork sausage, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.

  2. 3

    Add Garlic and Spices

    Add the minced garlic and red chili flakes to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.

  3. 4

    Deglaze the Pan

    Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until reduced by half.

  4. 5

    Incorporate the Cream

    Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

  5. 6

    Add Cheese and Season

    Stir in the grated Pecorino Romano cheese and season with freshly cracked black pepper. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Combining

  1. 7

    Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Add the drained rigatoni to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency.

Serving

  1. 8

    Plate the Dish

    Serve the Mezze Rigatoni alla Zozzona in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley and extra grated Pecorino Romano cheese on top.

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