Bucatini Amatriciana

Submitted by Lavender Lynn

"This classic sauce takes its spiciness from black pepper and dried chiles and its depth of flavor pancetta."

 

• Ready In: 55mins
• Ingredients: 10
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 ounces pancetta or 4 ounces unsmoked bacon, chopped, thinly sliced
• 1⁄2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 3⁄4 cup onion, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can tomatoes, peeled with juices, crushed by hand
• kosher salt
• 12 ounces bucatini pasta or 12 ounces spaghetti
• 1⁄3 cup pecorino cheese, finely grated (about 1 ounce)

directions

1. Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add pancetta and sauté until crisp and golden, about 4 minutes. Add pepper flakes and black pepper; stir for 10 seconds. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring often, until soft, about 8 minutes. Add tomatoes, reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens, 15-20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season with salt; add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until 2 minutes before al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta cooking water.
3. Add drained pasta to sauce in skillet and toss vigorously with tongs to coat. Add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and cook until sauce coats pasta and pasta is al dente, about 2 minutes. (Add a little pasta water if sauce is too dry.) Stir in cheese and transfer pasta to warmed bowls.

Reviews

[Chef PotPie]

Made for my granddaughters for dinner last night, and we ended up eating it as well. I liked the fact that there are no traditional Italian seasonings in the recipe. It holds up with the intense flavor of the sauce. I also like how the pasta goes into the sauce before it is completely done cooking, so it soaks up a lot of flavor. I cooked the sauce early in the afternoon, and took little spoonfuls several times because I just couldn't help it! It is awesome! I didn't spice it up with the pepper flakes because the kids were eating it, but next time I will. Hubby and I sprinkled spice at the table. Thanks, Lynn! It's a keeper! Susie's World Tour 2019 - Sue Chefs