Try this easy Bucatini all’Amatriciana recipe, featuring crispy pancetta, rich tomato sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. A simple, flavour-packed Italian pasta dish ready in under 30 minutes.
Bring a pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water, drain and set aside.
350 g Bucatini
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a pan and fry the bacon lardons until browned and crispy.
1 tablespoon Olive Oil, 200 g Pancetta
Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3 Garlic Cloves
Pour in the red wine and cook for 1 minute.
100 ml Red Wine
Add the chopped tomatoes, chilli flakes, sugar, salt and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
800 g Chopped Tomatoes, ½ tablespoon Chilli Flakes, 1 tablespoon Caster Sugar, ½ teaspoon Salt, ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
Add the cooked pasta, parmesan and mix to combine.
35 g Parmesan
Add a little reserved cooking water to the sauce if needed, before serving with a garnish of fresh herbs such as parsley.
1 tablespoon Parsley
Notes
Top Tips:
Cook the pasta al dente – Bucatini can take a bit longer to cook than other pasta shapes, so make sure to follow the package instructions and check for that perfect al dente bite.
Crisp the pancetta – Fry the pancetta until it's nice and crispy to bring out its flavour. This adds a delicious texture contrast to the soft pasta.
Don’t skip the pasta water – Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. Adding a bit of this starchy water to your sauce helps it cling to the pasta and makes the sauce silky smooth.
Adjust the chilli – For a mild kick, use a small amount of chilli flakes; for more heat, feel free to add more. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance for your preference.
Storage:Store – Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheating – Gently reheat in a pan with a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between.Freezing – While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To freeze, store in an airtight container, and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.Nutrition:The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.