Pasta Amatriciana
Ingredients
- 2 tbspextra-virgin olive oil
- 4 ozguanciale or pancetta
chopped into ¼-inch cubes, 3/4 cup
- 1can whole tomatoes
crushed with your hands in a bowl
- ⅛ tspblack pepper
- ⅛ tspred-pepper flakes
- kosher salt
such as diamond crystal
- 1 lbdried bucatini
- ¾ cgrated pecorino romano
plus more for garnish
Directions
- 1
In a large (12-inch) skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add guanciale and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes. To the skillet, add tomatoes, black pepper and red-pepper flakes, and season with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally and smashing tomatoes with the back of a wooden spoon, until tomatoes have broken down and sauce is thickened, about 15 minutes.
- 2
Meanwhile, in a large pot of salted water, cook pasta according to package directions until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and drain.
- 3
Add pasta, tomato sauce and ½ cup of pasta cooking water back to the large pasta pot and stir vigorously over medium-high heat until pasta is evenly coated in the sauce, about 1 minute. (Add more pasta water if sauce is dry.) Remove from heat, stir in the cheese and season to taste with salt.
- 4
Divide pasta among bowls and garnish with more cheese and black pepper.
Pasta Amatriciana
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About this Recipe
Looking for that perfect, deeply satisfying Italian pasta dish that tastes like it simmered all day but comes together with surprising ease? Our Pasta Amatriciana recipe brings the authentic flavors of Rome right to your kitchen. This simple pantry meal delivers deep, complex flavors that taste much more intricate than its ingredient list suggests.
The magic of Pasta Amatriciana lies in its simplicity and the quality of a few key ingredients. Rendered guanciale provides an unparalleled richness, forming the backbone of a sauce that’s beautifully balanced by bright, tangy tomatoes and a nuanced warmth from dried chiles. The subtle heat from dried peppers adds layers of dimension to this classic Italian sauce.
Prepare for a truly captivating experience where complex flavors unfold with every forkful. You'll savor the savory depth of cured pork, a vibrant tomato base, and the sharp, salty counterpoint of Pecorino Romano. The sauce clings perfectly to bucatini’s hollow center, delivering a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Despite its profound flavor, this isn't an overly complicated meal. It delivers a robust, satisfying character that belies its straightforward preparation, making it a fantastic choice for a comforting weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend meal, weighing in at 644 calories per serving.
While guanciale is traditional and offers the best flavor, pancetta is a readily available and delicious alternative if you can't find cured pork jowl. You can also experiment with different dried chiles to adjust the heat to your preference, or some variations include onion and white wine for an extra layer of flavor. If bucatini isn't available, classic spaghetti works beautifully.
This hearty Pasta Amatriciana is perfect for cozy dinners, special occasions, or simply whenever you crave a comforting, authentic Italian meal. Serve it with a simple green salad and a glass of robust red wine to complete the experience.