Spicy Bucatini Amatriciana

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Introduction

Spicy Bucatini Amatriciana is a bold and comforting pasta dish that combines the robust flavors of tomatoes, guanciale (or pancetta), and pecorino cheese, with a hint of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. The bucatini—a thick, hollow pasta—holds onto the rich, tangy sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. This classic Italian dish is simple to prepare yet delivers an elevated, restaurant-quality experience at home.

I first made Spicy Bucatini Amatriciana when I was looking for a pasta dish with a bit of a kick. The guanciale crisps up perfectly, adding a smoky, savory base to the sauce, while the tomatoes bring a bright, slightly sweet balance. The crushed red pepper flakes give just the right amount of spice, making the dish wonderfully warming without overpowering the other flavors.

What I love most about this recipe is how quickly it comes together with just a handful of ingredients. You can easily swap guanciale for bacon or pancetta if needed, and adjust the spice level to your preference. Serve it with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Pecorino Romano and a side of crusty bread for the ultimate comforting meal. Spicy Bucatini Amatriciana is perfect for a weeknight dinner or as an impressive dish for guests, offering a delicious taste of Italy in every bite.

Perfect for:

  • Quick weeknight meals
  • Cozy dinners
  • Italian-themed gatherings
  • Pasta lovers craving spice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Spicy Bucatini Amatriciana will become a household favorite:

  • Authentic Italian Flavor: A classic recipe with traditional ingredients for a taste of Rome.
  • Spicy and Savory: The perfect balance of heat and umami.
  • Easy to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes for a fuss-free meal.
  • Rich Tomato Sauce: The slow-simmered sauce is packed with robust flavor.
  • Al Dente Bucatini: Thick, hollow pasta that holds the sauce perfectly.
  • Minimal Ingredients: Simple pantry staples with maximum flavor.
  • Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the chili to suit your spice preference.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by adults and kids alike.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup for an easy post-dinner routine.
  • Perfect Pairing: Complements a variety of mocktails and side dishes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 14g, Carbs: 60g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 oz guanciale or pancetta, diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz bucatini pasta
  • Salt, for pasta water

Optional Garnish:

  • Freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Ingredient Highlights

  • Guanciale: Traditional cured meat adds authentic flavor and richness.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Brings the signature heat to the dish.
  • Crushed Tomatoes: Forms the base of the robust sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Sauce:

  1. Heat Oil: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Cook Guanciale: Add diced guanciale and cook until crispy and golden.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Stir in onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
  4. Add Spice: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes, adjusting the amount to your spice preference.
  5. Simmer Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.

Cook the Pasta:

  1. Boil Bucatini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook bucatini until al dente according to package instructions.
  2. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, save ½ cup of pasta water.

Combine and Serve:

  1. Toss Pasta: Add the drained bucatini to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat.
  2. Adjust Consistency: Stir in reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
  3. Garnish and Serve: Plate the pasta and top with Pecorino Romano and parsley.

How to Serve

Here are 9 serving suggestions for Spicy Bucatini Amatriciana:

  • With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside crispy garlic bread for a satisfying meal.
  • With a Green Salad: Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in olive oil and lemon.
  • For a Dinner Party: Serve as part of an Italian-themed menu.
  • As a Comfort Meal: Enjoy with a cozy blanket on a chilly evening.
  • As a Family Dinner: Serve family-style for an inviting presentation.
  • With Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted zucchini or eggplant for a hearty side.
  • Topped with Cheese: Grate extra Pecorino Romano for a cheesy finish.
  • As a Leftover Lunch: Tastes even better the next day.
  • For Spicy Food Fans: Add extra chili flakes for an extra kick.

Additional Tips

  • Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for bucatini or thick spaghetti to hold the sauce better, as the hollow center of bucatini absorbs flavors beautifully.
  • Adjust the Heat: Customize the spice level by tweaking the amount of red chili flakes or using fresh chili peppers for a more robust kick.
  • Authentic Tomatoes Matter: Use San Marzano tomatoes for the sauce. Their natural sweetness and low acidity make them ideal for this dish.
  • Don’t Skip the Guanciale: Traditional Amatriciana calls for guanciale. If unavailable, pancetta works, but the flavor profile won’t be as rich.
  • Cook Pasta Al Dente: Drain your pasta a minute earlier than the package suggests. The final cooking happens in the sauce, ensuring a perfect texture.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: Save some starchy pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency and help it cling to the noodles.
  • Layer the Cheese: Grate Pecorino Romano generously over the dish just before serving for a salty, tangy finish.
  • Simmer for Flavor: Allow the sauce to simmer until it thickens slightly, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.
  • Add a Smoky Twist: A small splash of smoked paprika can deepen the flavor if you want to experiment.
  • Serve Fresh: Bucatini Amatriciana tastes best right after it’s cooked. Serve it piping hot for the most satisfying experience.

Recipe Variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace guanciale with sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version.
  • Add Vegetables: Toss in spinach or kale for added nutrition.
  • Spaghetti Amatriciana: Substitute bucatini with spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
  • Creamy Twist: Add a splash of cream for a richer sauce.
  • Seafood Variation: Include shrimp or calamari for a seafood spin.

Special Equipment

  • Large Skillet: For preparing the sauce and tossing the pasta.
  • Pasta Pot: To cook bucatini to perfection.
  • Tongs: For tossing the pasta with the sauce.
  • Grater: For freshly grating Pecorino Romano.

FAQ Section

  1. What is Bucatini Amatriciana?
    Bucatini Amatriciana is a classic Italian pasta dish made with bucatini (a thick spaghetti-like pasta with a hole running through the center), a savory tomato sauce, guanciale (cured pork cheek), Pecorino Romano cheese, and a touch of spice.
  2. Can I use spaghetti instead of bucatini?
    Yes, you can substitute bucatini with spaghetti or any similar pasta, but bucatini’s unique hollow shape captures the sauce beautifully, enhancing the dish’s flavor.
  3. What makes it spicy?
    The spiciness typically comes from red chili flakes or fresh chili peppers added to the sauce. You can adjust the spice level to your preference.
  4. Is guanciale necessary? Can I use beef bacon or pancetta?
    While guanciale is traditional and adds an authentic flavor, you can use pancetta or thick-cut beef bacon as substitutes.
  5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
    Absolutely! You can skip the guanciale and add roasted vegetables like eggplant or zucchini for a vegetarian version while keeping the flavorful tomato sauce intact.
  6. What kind of tomatoes should I use?
    Use high-quality canned San Marzano tomatoes for the best results, as they provide a rich and slightly sweet flavor that complements the dish.
  7. How do I prevent the sauce from being too watery?
    Simmer the sauce on medium heat until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  8. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
    Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  9. What’s the best cheese for Bucatini Amatriciana?
    Pecorino Romano is the traditional cheese used in this recipe.
  10. How can I balance the heat if the dish is too spicy?
    If the sauce turns out spicier than you’d like, you can balance it by adding a small amount of heavy cream or butter to mellow the heat.

Conclusion

This Spicy Bucatini Amatriciana is a bold and flavorful Italian pasta dish that combines smoky pancetta, tangy tomatoes, and a touch of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. Tossed with al dente bucatini pasta, this classic Roman recipe is elevated with a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano cheese for a salty, savory finish. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy dinner with a kick of spice.

The magic of this recipe lies in the balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors. The rendered fat from the pancetta forms the base of the sauce, while garlic and onions add depth. The tomatoes bring brightness, and the red pepper flakes provide just the right amount of heat. The bucatini’s hollow center captures the sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

I’d love to see your Spicy Bucatini Amatriciana creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your beautifully plated, vibrant pasta. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any fun twists or toppings that made your amatriciana uniquely yours!

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