Spicy Bucatini Amatriciana

Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with this flavorful Spicy Bucatini Amatriciana recipe! Perfect for those who love a little heat in their pasta dishes, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound bucatini pasta
• 6 ounces pancetta, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

• Cook bucatini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Add red onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes and cook until onion is translucent.
• Stir in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
• Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in Pecorino Romano cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Popular questions:

• Q: Can I use bacon instead of pancetta?

A: Yes, you can substitute bacon for pancetta, but keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly.

• Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?

A: Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to allow them to break down into a sauce.

• Q: Can I use Parmesan instead of Pecorino Romano cheese?

A: Yes, you can use Parmesan cheese as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Helpful tips:

• Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for added depth of flavor.
• For extra spice, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.
• Try adding black olives or capers for a salty contrast to the spicy sauce.
• Freshly grated cheese will melt more smoothly into the sauce than pre-shredded cheese.

Expert Secrets:

• For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree the crushed tomatoes before adding the pasta.
• Reserve some pasta water before draining the bucatini to add to the sauce for added creaminess.
• Toast the red pepper flakes in the skillet before adding the other ingredients to enhance their flavor.