Amatriciana Sauce Recipe

amatriciana sauce recipe

If you’re looking to add a touch of Italian flair to your pasta dishes, look no further than the classic amatriciana sauce. This rich and flavorful sauce hails from the town of Amatrice in Italy and is a favorite among pasta lovers worldwide. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, this sauce is easy to whip up and adds a burst of umami to any pasta dish. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds.

Ingredients:
– 1 pound of pasta (such as spaghetti or bucatini)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 pound guanciale or pancetta, diced
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 can (28 ounces) of whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Pecorino Romano cheese, for serving
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions Step by Step:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced guanciale or pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
7. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
8. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley and additional cheese, if desired.

Tips:
For a vegetarian version of this sauce, simply omit the guanciale or pancetta and use olive oil as the base instead. You can also add in some diced mushrooms or roasted vegetables for extra flavor.
Leftover amatriciana sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
This sauce pairs perfectly with long pasta shapes like spaghetti or bucatini, but feel free to get creative and try it with different types of pasta for a unique twist.

In conclusion, this amatriciana sauce recipe is a simple yet delicious way to elevate your pasta dishes. With just a few key ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can recreate the flavors of Italy in your own kitchen. Give this recipe a try and savor the rich, savory taste of this classic sauce. Buon appetito!