Pasta with Amatriciana sauce

Delicious Pasta Recipe with Amatriciana Sauce

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to the world of refined flavors! Today, I present to you a savory recipe for pasta with Amatriciana sauce, a perfect combination of aromas that will transform any meal into a culinary celebration. This simple and quick recipe is ideal for evenings when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

The history of Amatriciana sauce takes us back in time, originating from a small Italian village. Over the years, it has managed to win the hearts of pasta lovers around the world, and today I will show you how to prepare it at home, step by step.

Necessary ingredients:
- 250 g pasta (choose your favorite type: spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni)
- 100 g pancetta (or bacon, depending on your preferences)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 small chili pepper (adjust the heat according to your preference)
- 2 canned tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1-2 handfuls of grated parmesan
- Salt, pepper, fresh basil (or oregano if you don't have basil)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by slicing the pancetta into thin strips. This ingredient will add an unmistakable flavor to your sauce. Make sure to use quality pancetta for an authentic taste.

2. Frying the pancetta: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. When the oil is hot, add the pancetta and let it fry until it becomes crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the pancetta from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and celery. These vegetables will add a flavorful base to the sauce. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes until they become soft and translucent.

4. Add the tomatoes: Now, add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. These ingredients will provide the sauce with a wealth of flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Simmer the sauce: Pour in a cup of water from the pasta cooking water (it’s good to boil the pasta in salted water with a tablespoon of oil). Return the pancetta to the skillet and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes on low heat. This step is essential to allow the flavors to blend perfectly.

6. Add the heat: At the end of the 15 minutes, add the finely chopped chili pepper. It's important to note: we don’t want the sauce to be extremely spicy, just to have a hint of heat that complements the other flavors.

7. Finalizing the sauce: Add the chopped basil (if you don’t have fresh basil, oregano is an excellent alternative) and a handful of grated parmesan. Let the sauce simmer for another 7-8 minutes. If you notice that the sauce has reduced too much, add a little more pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

8. Boil the pasta: In the meantime, boil the pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to use salted water and a tablespoon of oil to prevent sticking.

9. Serving: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and divide it onto plates. Pour the sauce on top and sprinkle the remaining grated parmesan. If desired, you can add chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch of freshness.

Tips and variations:
- If you want to experiment, you can add black olives or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Amatriciana sauce pairs wonderfully with a dry red wine, which will highlight the generous flavors of the dish.
- For a vegetarian version, you can replace pancetta with smoked tofu or tempeh.

Nutritional benefits:
Pasta is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, and the sauce made from tomatoes provides an important supply of antioxidants due to lycopene. Pancetta, in moderate amounts, offers proteins and healthy fats.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole grain pasta? Absolutely! Whole grain pasta is a healthier option, rich in fiber.
- Can I make the sauce in advance? Yes, the sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and can be reheated before serving.

Now that you know how to prepare this wonderful pasta with Amatriciana sauce, all that’s left is to enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!