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The Perfect Bucatini all’amatriciana


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5 from 6 reviews

  • Author: Cara Quinn
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 2
  • Diet: Omnivore

Description

Simple, elegant, and utterly delicious. This classic Roman pasta dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 5 oz (150 g) guanciale
  • 28 oz (800 g) whole canned tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) dry white wine
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt
  • 1 lbs (500 g) bucatini pasta
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Instructions

Prep the Guanciale

  1. Dice the guanciale into small, uniform pieces (¼-inch thick and 1-inch long). Set aside.

Prepare the Tomato Sauce

  1. If you have a food mill, pass the canned tomatoes through to remove seeds and pulp. If not, use a blender to make a smooth sauce.

Sauté the Guanciale

  1. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced guanciale. Let it cook until the fat renders and the guanciale turns golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and cook for another minute.

Add Wine and Tomatoes

  1. Pour in the white wine and allow it to cook off (about 2-3 minutes). Then, add the tomato sauce and salt to taste. Let the sauce simmer on medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken and deepen in flavor.

Cook the Bucatini

  1. While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous handful of salt. Cook the bucatini according to the package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes).

Combine and Serve

  1. Once the pasta is ready, drain it and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together over low heat until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. Serve immediately with freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese on top.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use pancetta or thick-cut bacon in place of guanciale.
  • To prevent the sauce from becoming watery, make sure to cook the tomatoes down until they’ve thickened significantly.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 800
  • Fat: 35
  • Saturated Fat: 15
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60
  • Fiber: 5
  • Protein: 20
  • Cholesterol: 60