Spicy Bucatini Amatriciana

Spicy Bucatini Amatriciana

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.

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