Simple Amatriciana: The Easy, Authentic Italian Pasta You’ll Love

If you’re searching for a pasta dish that’s bold, comforting, and incredibly easy to prepare, Simple Amatriciana is your perfect match. This Italian classic delivers deep tomato flavor, salty cheese, and crispy cured meat all with just a handful of ingredients. Even if you’re new to Italian cooking, this dish is simple enough for weeknights but flavorful enough for guests.

To understand how this recipe earned its iconic status, it’s helpful to explore its cultural roots. The history of Pasta Amatriciana is tied closely to the town of Amatrice, located in the Lazio region of Italy. According to Wikipedia, the dish evolved from an older recipe called gricia, which used guanciale and pecorino but no tomato. The arrival of tomatoes in Europe transformed it into the dish we know today: Amatriciana.

With those cultural notes in mind, let’s dive into this classic pasta dish and learn how to prepare an easy and delicious Simple Amatriciana at home.

What Makes Simple Amatriciana So Loved?

Simple Amatriciana is a shining example of Italian cucina povera simple cooking that uses minimal, high-quality ingredients. The beauty lies in its balance of salty, savory, and slightly spicy flavors.

Here’s why people love this dish:

• Minimal ingredients

• Very fast cooking time

• Rich and bold tomato flavor

• Uses only one pan

• Affordable, yet restaurant-quality

This recipe showcases the magic of combining guanciale, tomatoes, pecorino cheese, and black pepper. Even with simple substitutions, you can still create an incredible pasta dinner.

The History and Origin of Amatriciana

Amatriciana comes from Amatrice, a small mountain town in central Italy. Its older version, gricia, did not use tomatoes. When tomatoes became common in Italian cooking, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries, the dish evolved into the version loved today.

The traditional Roman version (amatriciana romana) uses:

• Guanciale

• Pecorino Romano

• Tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)

• Black pepper and sometimes chili flakes

Although the authentic recipe is protected under Italian culinary tradition, modern cooks often prepare a Simple Amatriciana version with accessible ingredients without losing the essence of the dish.

Traditional vs. Simple Amatriciana

While the traditional Amatriciana requires guanciale and pecorino, the simple version allows easier substitutions, such as:

• Pancetta instead of guanciale

• Parmesan when pecorino isn’t available

• Crushed canned tomatoes or passata

• A neutral long pasta like spaghetti instead of bucatini

Yet the flavor remains deeply satisfying due to the harmony of tomato and cured meat.

Ingredients for Simple Amatriciana

Here’s what you need to make this easy pasta dish:

Core Ingredients

• 150 g guanciale (or pancetta)

• 400 g crushed tomatoes (or passata)

• 350 g spaghetti or bucatini

•  60 g pecorino romano, grated

•  A pinch of chili flakes (optional)

•  1 garlic clove (optional)

•  Salt and black pepper

•  1 tbsp olive oil (if using pancetta)

How to Make Simple Amatriciana (Step-by-Step)

This simple pasta dish can be ready in under 30 minutes. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.

1. Prepare the Meat

If you’re using guanciale, you do not need extra olive oil. The fat will render beautifully.

• Cut guanciale or pancetta into small strips.

• Heat a pan over medium heat.

• Cook the meat until crispy and golden.

This step builds the foundation of flavor. Be patient properly rendered fat makes a big difference.

2. Build the Sauce

Once the meat is crisp, remove it from the pan and leave the fat behind.

Add (optional):

• 1 crushed garlic clove

• A pinch of chili flakes

Sauté for 30 seconds.

Next:

• Add your crushed tomatoes.

• Season lightly with salt and pepper.

• Let it simmer for 10–15 minutes.

The sauce should thicken slightly and taste rich.

3. Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers:

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

• Add the spaghetti or bucatini.

• Cook al dente according to package instructions.

Reserve ½ cup of pasta water it helps emulsify the sauce.

4. Combine and Emulsify

Add the crispy guanciale back to the sauce. Then:

• Add the drained pasta directly into the pan.

• Toss with tongs to coat.

• Add pasta water a little at a time to create a silky, glossy sauce.

This emulsification step is key to the signature texture of Simple Amatriciana.

5. Finish with Cheese

Remove from heat and add:

• A generous handful of pecorino romano

• Fresh cracked black pepper

Mix until creamy and well combined.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs perfectly with:

• A crisp green salad

• Roasted vegetables (zucchini, peppers, tomatoes)

• Garlic bread

• A simple antipasto plate

For a traditional touch, serve with bucatini, the classic Roman noodle for this dish.

Variations You Can Try

Although Amatriciana is traditionally simple, here are popular twists:

1. Spicy Amatriciana

Add extra chili flakes or use spicy pancetta.

2. Vegetarian Amatriciana

Use smoked olive oil + smoked paprika to replace guanciale.

3. Creamy Amatriciana

Stir in 2 tablespoons of mascarpone at the end.

4. Light Amatriciana

Use turkey bacon and reduce cheese.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Simple Amatriciana stores well, making it great for meal prep.

Fridge

• Store in an airtight container

• Keeps for 2–3 days

Reheat

• Add a splash of water

• Warm in a pan over low heat

• Avoid microwaving cheese directly

Freezer

Not recommended the cheese and pasta texture may suffer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here’s how to get the best results every time:

• Don’t burn the guanciale.
  It should be golden, not dark brown.

• Avoid using too much salt.
  The cheese and cured meat are already salty.

• Don’t skip emulsifying.
  Pasta water transforms the sauce from watery to silky.

• Never add cheese while on high heat.
  It will clump instead of melt smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Simple Amatriciana without guanciale?

Yes. Pancetta works well, and turkey bacon can be used if needed.

2. What pasta shape works best?

Bucatini is traditional, but spaghetti or rigatoni are great alternatives.

3. Can I add garlic to Amatriciana?

Traditionalists say no—but many modern cooks love it for extra flavor.

4. Can I use canned tomatoes?

Absolutely. San Marzano tomatoes give the best taste.

5. Is Simple Amatriciana spicy?

It can be if you add chili flakes, but spice is optional.

Pro Kitchen Tip

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Conclusion: A Simple Italian Classic Worth Making Tonight

Simple Amatriciana is one of those magical recipes that uses a few ingredients yet delivers unforgettable flavor. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish always satisfies. Its rich tomato sauce, salty cheese, and crispy bits of meat create a perfect balance that captures the heart of Italian cooking.

If you love quick and flavorful Italian-inspired dishes, don’t miss this Simple Creamy Mushroom Chicken a reader favorite that pairs beautifully with pasta and brings rich, comforting flavor to your table, why not prepare it tonight? Buon appetito!