Bucatini All'Amatriciana – Classic Roman Pasta with Rich Tomato
Bucatini All'Amatriciana is a classic Italian pasta dish featuring thick hollow bucatini noodles tossed in a rich tomato sauce with crispy guanciale, Pecorino Romano cheese, and red pepper flakes. The guanciale releases savory fat that creates incredible depth and richness in the sauce. Tomatoes provide a bright acidity that perfectly balances the salty pork and sharp cheese. Bucatini pasta captures the sauce inside and outside each strand, delivering bold flavor in every bite. The dish is simple yet deeply flavorful, showcasing the beauty of traditional Italian cooking. Every ingredient plays an important role in creating authentic Roman taste and texture. This timeless recipe is comforting, hearty, elegant, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces bucatini pasta
- 5 ounces guanciale, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
- ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook bucatini until al dente.
- In a large skillet, cook diced guanciale over medium heat until crispy and golden.
- Remove excess fat if necessary, leaving some for flavor.
- Add onion and sauté until softened.
- Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Season the sauce with black pepper and minimal salt if needed.
- Drain pasta and reserve a little pasta water.
- Toss bucatini into the sauce until evenly coated.
- Stir in Pecorino Romano cheese and mix well before serving.
Notes
- Guanciale is the traditional meat used in authentic Amatriciana.
- Pancetta can substitute if guanciale is unavailable.
- Pecorino Romano provides authentic sharp and salty flavour.
- Bucatini pasta is preferred for its hollow texture.
- Avoid overcooking the sauce to preserve tomato freshness.
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for best flavor.
- Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly into the sauce.