Italian Pasta All’Amatriciana is fast and easy Italian comfort food that is the perfect weeknight meal. SautĂ©ed pancetta in a perfectly spiced Tomato Sauce.  Delicious.
I’ve been in Canada for two weeks, and yesterday afternoon my daughter and I decided to go check out, an Italian festival taking place on College Street in Toronto, called ‘The Taste of Italy.” I thought maybe we could find a plate of Pasta AllAmatriciana!
We walked around the street, passed by many Italians and mangia-cakes. Â As the Italians coming from the old country used to call Torontonians. Â It felt like I was back in Italy.
There was a very friendly atmosphere surrounding us. Â And when we started to get a little hungry we decided to go try an Italian restaurant called “Il Gatto Nero.”
The place was filled with people watching the World Cup game: Argentina vs. Bosnia. Everytime I come back to Canada for a visit it’s always World Cup time, (strangely enough and is in no way planned).
I get so hyped up about it. There are so many different ethnicities in this city, which radiates a sense of unity and respect towards other ethnic groups as well as their own.
My daughter and I were sitting at our table and sharing a pizza when I started thinking of how great Italian cuisine is.
Italian Pasta AllAmatriciana
Some of the most amazing Italian recipes, in my opinion, involve pasta and one of my favourites, which I am eager to share with you today, is called Pasta all’Amatriciana.
Pasta All’Amatriciana is a traditional dish of the Region of Lazio originating from the Town of Amatrice, recently known for the horrible earth quake that pretty much destroyed it.
This Pasta dish was and is quite often made with guanciale (pork cheek) and Pecorino Cheese, but is often substituted with Pancetta and Parmesan cheese.
I have eaten it both ways and both are delicious, Italian Pasta All’Amatriciana is an  easy and  simple,  yet so delicious pasta dish.  Buon Apettito!
Pasta All'Amatriciana
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup chopped pancetta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1-2 cloves of garlic chopped
- 1 can Roma or Marzano tomatoes with juice Just canned tomatoes added) normal size not the large can.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- pinch or more of hot pepper flakes if desired
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- In a medium pan add the 2 tablespoons olive oil, pancetta and 1/4 cup water, cook over medium heat till pancetta is cooked (not over cooked or crisp) and water has evaporated (approximately 10 minutes).
- Add garlic, can of tomatoes (cut up the tomatoes and mash gently with a fork), then add oregano, basil, salt, hot pepper flakes and 1/2 cup water. Stir to combine, place lid on pan but leave a small space uncovered, continue cooking over medium heat, stirring occasionally for approximately 10 minutes, remove cover and continue cooking until thickened.
- Add 3 cups cooked pasta (my husband prefers short pasta,he says it holds the sauce better, I prefer Bucatini (today I won) you decide, add 1/2 ladle of pasta water and toss together gently until well combined. Serve immediately, top with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
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ÂNutrition
D J Smith says
While tasty, tomato, we think we should have doubled the pancetta to offer more taste above the tomato. We will make this again and add some pancetta in hopes to get a little more “pancetta” flavor. This first time we used Bucatoni; next time we will the the Italian’s favorite; short pasta.
Rosemary says
Hi DJ, thanks let me know with the extra pancetta and the short pasta. 🙂
D J Smith says
First try today. How many dry ounces of pasta is equal to 3-cups cooked pasta????
Have loved each of your recipes to date…..
Rosemary says
Hi DJ about 1 1/2 – 2 cups dry is equal to 3 cups cooked. Let me know how you like it.
Jessica - The Novice Chef says
That photo is making me crave pasta for breakfast! So gorgeous!
Rosemary says
Hi Jessica, thanks and why not?
titicrafty says
OMG This looks amazing… Mouthwatering! I must admit I LOVE pasta and this sause is one of my very favorites!!!
XOXO
rose says
Hi, thanks, I must say it is my daughter’s favourite, she never gets tired of it.
Lena says
Making this tonight!!!
rose says
Hi Lena, let me know how it turns out.
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rose says
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