Description
Bucatini all’Amatriciana is a classic Italian pasta dish featuring thick, hollow bucatini noodles tossed in a savory sauce made from crispy guanciale, spicy red pepper flakes, and rich San Marzano tomatoes. Finished with generous Pecorino Romano cheese, this flavorful Roman specialty is quick to prepare and perfect for an authentic Italian meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bucatini pasta
- 6 ounces guanciale, cut into small strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 (14-ounce) can San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand or lightly blended
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bucatini pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Render the Guanciale: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the guanciale strips and cook, stirring often, until they become crispy and golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and sauté for 30 seconds to release their flavor into the guanciale and oil.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour the crushed San Marzano tomatoes into the skillet, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained bucatini directly into the sauce in the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce for a smooth consistency.
- Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated Pecorino Romano cheese until fully combined and creamy within the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with extra Pecorino Romano cheese on top for added flavor.
Notes
- If guanciale is unavailable, pancetta is a suitable substitute, though it is less traditional.
- Using high-quality Pecorino Romano cheese and San Marzano tomatoes will enhance the authenticity and flavor of the dish.
- This recipe comes together quickly, so have all ingredients prepped and ready before starting to cook.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
