Pasta Amatriciana
Pasta Amatriciana features a rich tomato and bacon sauce with bold flavors, perfect for hearty, comforting meals that satisfy both meat lovers and pasta fans alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large frying pan or medium saucepan, fry bacon until crisp; remove from pan.
- Set aside.
- Drain pan of all but 2 to 3 tablespoons fat.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Chop tomatoes to a coarse texture and add to pan.
- Simmer on high, stirring often, for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Add crumbled bacon, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve immediately over your favorite pasta.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider substituting pancetta for bacon. If you're short on time, pre-chopped onions can save you a few minutes. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice tolerance; you can also use crushed red pepper if that's what you have. This recipe works beautifully with various pasta types, such as penne or spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful Pasta Amatriciana with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or Romano cheese on top. For a more substantial meal, consider serving alongside Italian Ham Primavera for a delightful spread of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Amatriciana contains roughly 348 calories, with 14g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (282% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and iron (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! You'll need about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch them in boiling water, peel, and chop them before adding to the pan. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may require a longer cooking time to reach the desired consistency.
What can I substitute for bacon?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can use smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a similar umami flavor. You can also use turkey bacon as a lower-fat alternative, though the taste will differ slightly from traditional guanciale or bacon.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Pasta Amatriciana gluten-free, simply substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties made from rice, quinoa, or lentils. Be sure to check the labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free for those with severe sensitivities.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).