Spaghetti amatriciana

Spaghetti Amatriciana is a classic Italian pasta dish featuring a rich tomato sauce, crispy bacon, and a hint of spice from red hot chili peppers. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for a hearty family meal or a dinner party.

12 Dec 2025
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion
5 bacon strips
2 garlic cloves
2 red hot chili peppers
2 cans canned tomatoes
1/2 cup olives
12 oz pasta

Spaghetti Amatriciana is a classic Italian pasta dish that boasts a rich tomato sauce, savory bacon, and a touch of spice. This traditional recipe, known for its simple yet flavorful ingredients, brings a slice of Italian cuisine to your dinner table. Perfect for a hearty family meal or an impressive dish for guests, Spaghetti Amatriciana is both delicious and easy to prepare.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Finely chop the onion.
- Dice the bacon strips.
- Mince the garlic.
- Chop the red hot chili peppers. Remove seeds if you prefer less heat.
- Slice the olives.

2. Cook Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced bacon and cook until it becomes crispy, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and chopped red hot chili peppers, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the canned tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Stir in the sliced olives. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked and drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.

5. Serve:
- Divide the spaghetti amatriciana among serving plates.
- Top with grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese.
- Serve immediately with a fresh side salad or crusty bread, if desired.

Voilà! Your Spaghetti Amatriciana is ready to be served. This dish combines the vibrant flavors of tomatoes, the heat of chili peppers, and the smoky taste of bacon, resulting in a harmonious and delectable meal. Enjoy this Italian classic with family and friends, and savor every bite of this homemade culinary masterpiece.

Spaghetti amatriciana FAQ:

What type of pasta is best for Spaghetti Amatriciana?

Traditionally, spaghetti is used for Amatriciana, but you can also use other long pasta types like bucatini or linguine if you prefer.

How long does Spaghetti Amatriciana take to prepare?

The entire process takes about 30-40 minutes, including preparing the ingredients, cooking the pasta, and simmering the sauce.

Can I substitute the bacon in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute bacon with pancetta for a more authentic flavor, or use turkey bacon or a vegetarian alternative for a lighter option.

How do I store leftovers of Spaghetti Amatriciana?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens.

What can I use instead of olives in this recipe?

If you don't have olives, you can omit them or substitute with capers for a similar briny flavor, keeping in mind that it may alter the dish's taste slightly.

Tips:

- Use high-quality canned tomatoes, preferably San Marzano, for the best flavor.

- For an authentic taste, use guanciale (cured pork cheek) instead of bacon if available.

- Adjust the amount of chili peppers to suit your spice tolerance.

- Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.

- Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed.

- Garnish with freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese for an extra touch of authenticity.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 550kcal
Protein 24g
Carbohydrates 80g
Fiber 8g
Sugar 11g
Fat 20g

Spaghetti amatriciana