Green Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Cacio e Pepe
- Average
- 1 h 10 min
Golden strands of Maccheroni alla chitarra bring traditional Abruzzo flair to home kitchens, delivering a unique visual style with their square sides and beautiful, rustic look—really nice on any table. Families looking for something genuine appreciate how this traditional Italian pasta offers the real taste of Abruzzo pasta right at home. Soft yet firm, this pasta holds chunky, rich sauces in the grooves of those signature strands...a perfect fit for anyone craving that familiar Italian comfort. Kids tend to love the way every bite packs in flavor, while adults notice just how well these soft pasta ropes work with hearty ragu or even a mild olive oil and garlic sauce (which is QUICK and tasty, by the way). Since the pasta-making tool used here—the famous chitarra from Abruzzo—isn’t common outside Italy, the idea of enjoying something so authentic at a regular weeknight dinner? Pretty great. Every plate has that handmade feel, and the nice golden color just adds to the cozy effect families want for Sunday gatherings or special celebrations.
Families with busy lives often turn to Maccheroni alla chitarra for adaptable meals that really deliver on taste and simple enjoyment—plus, this traditional homemade pasta recipe lets you serve it all sorts of ways. It’s one of those go-to recipes when you want food that makes everyone happy, whether it’s a quick homemade dinner for four or a bustling family feast. Serve this Abruzzo pasta plain or dressed up with zesty tomato, slow-cooked lamb, or even a handful of Pecorino for that BIG flavor…everyone gets what they like. Great for picky eaters and adventurous types alike, and it’s always fluffy yet sturdy enough to stand up to bold sauces. While some pastas fade into the background, this homemade pasta recipe stands out every time.Abruzzo families know it’s a family classic for a reason—customizable, comforting, and DELICIOUS at just about any mealtime. You’ll see why this good Italian staple deserves a spot at every family table. (Tip: Leftovers are just as good the next day!)
To prepare maccheroni alla chitarra, start by sifting the flour onto a work surface; then create the classic well shape and crack the eggs into the center. Beat them with a fork gradually gathering the flour 1; then continue kneading by hand 2 for at least 10-15 minutes, until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous dough. Form a dough ball, flatten it slightly and wrap it in plastic wrap 3. You can let the fresh pasta rest outside the fridge, in a cool, dry place for at least 1 hour.
Take the chitarra (the traditional wooden tool used for shaping the pasta) 4, then roll out part of the dough with a rolling pin (you can wrap the remaining dough in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out) 5 into a sheet not too thin (about 0.2 inches) preferably giving it a rectangular shape to lay it more easily on the chitarra: you can roll the sheet onto the rolling pin and unroll it on the chitarra so that it adheres well to the strings of the tool 6.
Use a small rolling pin specifically used for this pasta format or a common rolling pin over the entire length of the sheet, applying firm pressure so the sheet is cut in a single pass 7. Proceed in the same way for all the pasta sheets, and as you form the maccheroni alla chitarra 8, place them on a pasta drying rack 9 or spread them out well on a floured surface to dry a bit. Your maccheroni alla chitarra are ready to be cooked, dressed and served!