CACIO E PEPE WITH PANCETTA AND ARUGULA

Cacio e Pepe with Pancetta and Arugula image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

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Kosher salt
1 pound creste di gallo pasta (cockscomb-shaped) or other short pasta
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 pound pancetta, diced
1 1/2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
2 cups freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano, plus more (optional) for serving
1 cup freshly grated pecorino cheese
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3 cups packed baby arugula, roughly chopped

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook 2 minutes less than the package directions, about 8 minutes. Drain well, reserving 1 1/2 cups of the pasta cooking water.
Meanwhile, heat a large straight-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and pancetta. Cook, stirring often with a wooden spoon, until the pancetta is crisp, about 10 minutes. Add the pepper and toast it, stirring often, for about a minute, or until fragrant. Add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and scrape up any bits that are sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
Add the pasta and sprinkle with the parmigiano-reggiano. Add another 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and stir to coat all of the pasta in the cheese. Add the pecorino and butter and stir to combine, creating a light, creamy cheese sauce. Add the arugula and cook until wilted. Add additional reserved pasta water as needed to maintain the light sauce consistency. Serve with more grated parmigiano-reggiano, if desired.