Spaghetti Amatriciana is a classic Roman dish bursting with bold flavors. Made with crispy guanciale (cured pork), rich tomato sauce, and a touch of pecorino Romano cheese, this simple yet delicious pasta dish is perfect for any occasion. With just a few high-quality ingredients, you can enjoy a taste of authentic Italian cuisine that’s easy to make but delivers incredible flavor.
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Number of servings: 4
- Serving size: 1 1/2 cups
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 530 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
Ingredients:
- 400g (14 oz) spaghetti
- 150g (5 oz) guanciale (or pancetta), diced
- 400g (14 oz) canned San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
- 1 tbsp (15g) olive oil (optional, if using pancetta)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional, for added flavor)
- 1/2 tsp (2g) red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 80g (3/4 cup) pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Method of Preparation:
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
- Prepare the guanciale: In a large skillet, cook the diced guanciale (or pancetta) over medium heat until it becomes crispy and renders its fat, about 5-7 minutes. If the guanciale is lean, add a tablespoon of olive oil to help it cook.
- Build the sauce: If using onions, add them to the skillet with the guanciale and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute.
- Add the tomatoes: Pour the crushed San Marzano tomatoes into the skillet with the guanciale. Stir to combine and simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding a little reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency. Stir in half of the grated pecorino Romano cheese.
- Serve: Divide the spaghetti amatriciana into bowls and top with the remaining pecorino Romano. Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese or a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Use authentic guanciale: Guanciale (cured pork cheek) provides the traditional flavor, but pancetta is a good substitute if you can’t find it.
- Don’t over-sauce: The beauty of this dish is in the balance of pasta and sauce, so don’t drown the spaghetti in sauce; just coat it lightly.
- Cook pasta al dente: Be sure to cook your pasta until it’s just tender for the perfect texture when tossed with the sauce.
- Skip the onions for authenticity: While onions add flavor, the most traditional version of Amatriciana doesn't include them, so omit them if you want a purist approach.
- Don’t use parmesan: Pecorino Romano is essential for its sharp, salty flavor, so avoid using Parmesan as a substitute.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use bacon instead of guanciale or pancetta? Yes, but keep in mind that bacon will give the dish a smokier flavor, which isn’t traditional but still delicious.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian? While guanciale is a key ingredient, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the pork and adding a touch of smoked paprika to replicate the flavor profile.
- Can I use another type of pasta? Yes! While spaghetti is classic, bucatini, rigatoni, or penne also work well with the Amatriciana sauce.
- What’s the best substitute for San Marzano tomatoes? If you can’t find San Marzano tomatoes, use any good-quality canned whole or crushed tomatoes, but San Marzano provides the most authentic flavor.
- How can I store leftovers? Store any leftover spaghetti Amatriciana in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Spaghetti Amatriciana is a timeless dish that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. With crispy guanciale, a rich tomato sauce, and sharp Pecorino Romano, every bite captures the essence of traditional Italian cooking. Perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a special meal, this pasta is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!