Carrabba's Cavatappi Amatriciana (Side Dish Pasta)

This is an approximate verision of Carrabba's. This is served in the restaurant as a side dish but would be just fine as a main dish when pancetta is added in. Cavatappi pasta is a short tubed corkscrew or S-shaped pasta. It can be hard to find but I was able to find it called "Twists" by the pasta brand DaVinci (blue bag).

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 8 -12  ounces cavatappi pasta
• 1 1⁄2 cups onions, chopped
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1⁄2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 3⁄4 cup dry white wine
• 2 (14 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice
•  salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 1⁄2 cups  freshly grated pecorino romano cheese
•  pancetta (cured italian bacon) (optional)

Directions

1. Cook cavatappi according to package directions; drain.
2. Saute onions, garlic, and red pepper flakes in olive oil over medium heat till onions are soft and translucent.
3. Add white wine and cook till nearly evaporated.
4. Stir in tomatoes with their juice till slightly thickened (3-5 minutes).
5. Taste, and add salt and pepper as desired.
6. Mix into cooked cavatappi.
7. Toss with cheese.
8. Add cooked pancetta (optional).