Lunch & Dinner

Bucatini Pasta Amatriciana Recipe – Easy Family Meal

Name: Bucatini Pasta Amatriciana Recipe – Easy Family Meal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 29 min
Total time: 39 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 1 1/2 ounces guanciale, thinly sliced; 5 ounces bucatini noodles; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 can crushed San Marzano plum tomatoes; 3 smashed garlic cloves; 1/4 cup thinly sliced red shallots; 1 pinch crushed red chili flakes; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon fresh chopped basil; 1 ounce finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Crystal Ivers May 31, 2025

Servings: 2 Total Time: 39 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Bucatini Pasta Amatriciana is a stellar choice for your dinner table. But what goes well with it? A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the dish beautifully. Think arugula or mixed greens tossed with a light lemon-olive oil dressing.

Garlic bread?

Always a hit! Just imagine dipping that warm, crusty bread into the sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, a simple yet rich red wine, such as Chianti or Montepulciano, can elevate your experience. So grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into Bucatini Pasta Amatriciana!

What is Bucatini Pasta Amatriciana?

Bucatini Pasta Amatriciana is a traditional Italian pasta dish that hails from Amatrice, a quaint town in the Lazio region. What sets bucatini apart from regular spaghetti is its unique shape—a thick, hollow noodle.

This distinctive feature allows it to hold onto sauces in a way that flat noodles just can’t manage. You might say it’s like a cozy little hug for the sauce!

The classic Amatriciana sauce is made using just a handful of ingredients—guanciale (cured pork cheek), tomatoes, Pecorino Romano cheese, and a touch of chili flakes for a hint of heat.

It’s the kind of dish that combines simplicity with quality ingredients for maximum flavor.

What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?

The flavor profile of Bucatini Pasta Amatriciana is a beautiful balance of salty, savory, and slightly spicy. The guanciale brings that necessary saltiness and depth. When cooked, it releases a luscious fat, creating a velvety sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.

The crushed San Marzano tomatoes add a subtly sweet acidity, while hints of garlic and red pepper flakes provide a kick. And let’s not forget the Pecorino Romano! It’s a finishing touch that adds sharpness and creaminess, rounding out the dish perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This?

You might be wondering why you should try making Bucatini Pasta Amatriciana at home. Well, let me tell you!

1. Simplicity: With just a handful of ingredients, this dish is surprisingly straightforward. Even if you’re not a whiz in the kitchen, you can confidently conquer this recipe.

2. Flavor Explosion: This dish is like a party in your mouth. The blend of savory, sweet, and spicy will create a memorable dining experience.

3. Versatility: Feeling adventurous? You can easily add vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the sauce, making it even more delicious and nutritious.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a comforting meal for yourself, Bucatini Pasta Amatriciana fits the bill. It’s impressive enough for guests yet comforting enough for a casual weeknight dinner.

5. Healthier Than You Think: This dish features quality ingredients without unnecessary additives. Use whole wheat bucatini for a healthier twist!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your Bucatini Pasta Amatriciana:

1 ½ ounces guanciale, thinly sliced
5 ounces bucatini noodles
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
½ (8 ounce) can crushed San Marzano plum tomatoes
3 smashed garlic cloves
¼ cup thinly sliced red shallots
1 pinch crushed red chili flakes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon fresh chopped basil
1 ounce finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move to the cooking part!

Bucatini Pasta Amatriciana Copycat Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Slice the guanciale into thin strips. Next, crush the garlic cloves and slice your shallots. Make sure your San Marzano tomatoes are ready to go. This makes the cooking process smoother.

Step 2: Cook the Guanciale

In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the sliced guanciale.

Sauté it until it becomes crispy and golden brown, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Remember, the goal is to release that rich, flavorful fat without burning it.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Shallots

Once your guanciale is nice and crispy, reduce the heat to low. Toss in the smashed garlic cloves and sliced shallots. Sauté for about 2 minutes.

You want the aroma of garlic to fill your kitchen but be careful not to let it burn—nobody likes bitter garlic!

Step 4: Incorporate Tomatoes

Now it’s time to add the crushed San Marzano tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well and let everything cook together for about 10 minutes.

This allows the flavors to meld. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of pasta cooking water later to adjust the consistency.

Step 5: Cook the Bucatini

While the sauce is simmering, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bucatini noodles according to package instructions until al dente.

This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Once the bucatini is cooked, drain it and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to combine, ensuring that each noodle is fully coated. If the sauce seems a bit dry, add some of that reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Sprinkle in the crushed red chili flakes, adjusting the amount to match your spice preference. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss again, and serve the pasta hot.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Divide your Bucatini Pasta Amatriciana onto serving plates. Generously sprinkle with grated Pecorino Romano cheese and top with fresh basil. Sit back and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Tips & Tricks

Use Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the overall dish will taste. Always aim for high-quality tomatoes and cheese.
Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: Adding pasta water to your sauce not only helps loosen it but also adds extra flavor thanks to the starches.
Adjust the Spice: If you love a kick, feel free to add more crushed red chili flakes or even a dash of hot pepper oil for extra heat.
Experiment with Cheese: While Pecorino Romano is traditional, a sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano can also work wonders.
Make It Ahead: You can prepare the sauce a day in advance. Just warm it up when you’re ready to serve with fresh pasta.

How Can You Store This Bucatini Pasta Amatriciana?

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare but sometimes happens), you can store your Bucatini Pasta Amatriciana in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

It should stay fresh for about 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.

Ingredient Alternatives

Sometimes you might find yourself missing a key ingredient. Here are a few alternatives you can consider:

Guanciale: If you can’t find guanciale, pancetta is a viable substitute. It has a similar flavor but is less salty. Alternatively, bacon can work in a pinch, though the taste will differ slightly.
San Marzano Tomatoes: If you can’t find these specific tomatoes, any high-quality canned plum tomatoes will do. You can also use crushed tomatoes if you’re in a hurry.
Pecorino Romano: In a pinch, you can swap it for Parmesan cheese. It won’t have the same sharpness, but it will still add creaminess.

Conclusion

Making Bucatini Pasta Amatriciana is about more than just cooking; it’s about creating a dish that brings joy and satisfaction. From the initial preparation to the final plating, every step invites you to savor the experience.

Plus, you have the chance to impress friends and family with a meal that feels luxurious without requiring a culinary degree.

So the next time you’re looking for a hearty, delicious pasta dish, remember this recipe. Its deep roots in Italian cuisine echo through every bite. Get ready for compliments and requests for seconds. Enjoy!

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Bucatini Pasta Amatriciana Recipe – Easy Family Meal

Author: Crystal Ivers Cuisine: Italian Courses: Lunch & Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 29 mins Total Time 39 mins

Servings: 2 Calories: 634 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Just the name alone conjures up images of sun-drenched Italian kitchens and the warm embrace of comfort food. Picture this: a plate of perfectly cooked bucatini, twirled in a vibrant sauce that tells a tale of bold flavors and rich history.

I remember the first time I tasted this dish. It was love at first bite. The saltiness of the guanciale, the sweetness of the tomatoes, and the slight heat from the chili flakes blended together so harmoniously.

Originally from the town of Amatrice in Italy, this dish has been a favorite for centuries. It’s a recipe that resonates with both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. It’s rustic yet elegant, simple yet sophisticated.

And the best part? It's surprisingly easy to whip up at home. So let’s embark on this culinary journey together and explore how to make this delightful dish.