Ingredients

  • 1 lb tagliolini or 1 lb fettuccine
  • 4 tablespoons butter, cut into 8 pieces
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 4 large eggs, beaten
  • 2/3 cup grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese (about 2 oz.)
  • 2/3 cup grated pecorino cheese (about 2 oz.)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing pan)
  • 4 ounces provolone cheese, cut in 1/4-inch dice (about 3/4 cup)
  • 4 ounces pancetta, cut in 1/8-inch dice (about 3/4 cup)
  • 4 ounces soppressata, cut in 1/4-inch dice (about 3/4 cup)

Method

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Cook the pasta in boiling, salted water, until slightly underdone.
  • Drain the pasta well and place it in a large bowl; toss with the butter. Pour in the milk and combine thoroughly; let stand, tossing every 5 to 10 minutes, until the pasta absorbs all except a tablespoon or so of the milk. This can happen almost immediately or take as long as 30 minutes.
  • While the pasta is standing, in another bowl, beat the eggs with the grated cheeses and pepper. With 2 tablespoons of butter, grease a 3 to 4-quart baking dish or casserole.
  • When the pasta has absorbed the milk, add the egg mixture, then the provolone, pancetta, and soppressata and mix well. Pour into the greased baking pan.
  • Bake for about 50 minutes at 350 degrees F, or until the top and edges have browned lightly.
  • Let rest 10 to 20 minutes before serving, or serve warm instead of hot, or at room temperature.