Penne Amatriciana

This recipe for Penne Amatriciana is the perfect balance of flavors with crisp guanciale, sweet shallots, the gentle heat of crushed red pepper, white wine, and tangy Pecorino Romano cheese.

About the Recipe

The ingredients in this recipe come together in a vibrant tomato sauce that perfectly coats the penne pasta. This classic dish is a combination of bold and robust flavors that Italian cuisine is known for. A bowl of this will transport you straight to the heart of Italy!

This is the perfect dish to make for weeknight dinners because it is quick and satisfying. You might also enjoy preparing this for casual gatherings, dinner parties, or for date night. This is a pasta dish that is sure to bring smiles to the faces of those who have the pleasure of enjoying it.

If you are looking for more pasta recipes, check out our: Tagliatelle Carbonara, Herby Artichoke Pasta or Butternut Squash Ravioli Sauce.

Jump to:

• About the Recipe
• Why You Will Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• Directions
• Expert Tips and Tricks
• Kitchen Equipment
• Recipe Substitutions/Variations
• What To Serve With
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Recipe Storage and Reheating
• Other Recipes to Try
• Penne Amatriciana

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Classic - If you appreciate the flavors of traditional Italian cuisine, then this recipe will be a new favorite. The simple yet delicious ingredients come together to create a comforting and authentic dish.

Simple - With straightforward preparation, this penne amatriciana is a perfect recipe if you are looking for a quick meal. In just a few minutes, you can create a flavorful meal that will impress your family and friends.

Adaptable - You can easily adapt the spice level to suit your preference by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper. You could even swap out the penne for a different pasta shape or size.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need for this pasta dish: 

• Olive oil
• Guanciale or pancetta
• Shallot
• Red pepper flakes
• White wine
• Crushed tomatoes
• Salt & black pepper
• Pecorino romano
• Penne

Directions

Let's make this simple recipe together! 

Step 1: In a large saute pan with sides, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the guanciale and cook for 5 minutes, or until browned. Add the shallot and red pepper flakes and sauté for 3 minutes.

Step 2: Add the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze it.

Step 3: Add the tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the penne pasta, according to package instructions, until al dente. Reserve the pasta water. 

Step 5: Add the cooked pasta and pasta water to the pan with the tomato mixture and toss well. 

Step 6: Remove the pan from the heat, add the cheese and rapidly toss well. Add more pasta water as needed. Serve with more cheese and enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Here are some expert tips to make this delicious penne recipe: 

Pasta water - Be sure to save the pasta water. If you notice that clumps of cheese are starting to form after you’ve tossed the pasta mixture with the cheese, add more of the pasta water to loosen it up.

Cook pasta al dente - Cook the penne pasta al dente, following the instructions on the package. This ensures that the pasta retains a slight bite and doesn't become mushy when combined with the sauce.

Kitchen Equipment

Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this pasta recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.

Pasta Pot - This pasta pot is great for any pasta lover! I use mine multiple times a week and it never fails me.

Penne Pasta - I love this brand for quality pasta that's delicious every time. I love that I can order it online and always have some on hand in my kitchen.

Recipe Substitutions/Variations

Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this recipe:

Garnish - Just before serving, sprinkle the Penne Amatriciana with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil. This adds a pop of freshness and brightens up the dish.

Guanciale - You can substitute the guanciale with pancetta or bacon. Both will provide similar flavors and textures.

White wine - Feel free to substitute the white wine for vegetable broth.

Pecorino - Substitute the pecorino cheese with parmesan cheese or any other hard Italian cheese.

What To Serve With

Here are some recipes to serve alongside this penne amatriciana:

Simple Red Skin Mashed Potatoes - These Simple Red Skin Mashed potatoes are easy, delicious, and have only 5 ingredients!

Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts - These Honey Sriracha Brussels sprouts will be your new favorite way to make Brussels sprouts! And the best part - this dish only has a few simple ingredients and comes together in about a half hour!

Easy Tuscan Roasted Broccoli - This Easy Tuscan Roasted Broccoli is the best roasted broccoli recipe you'll ever make! This easy side dish recipe is perfect for meal prep or a quick and easy dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe Storage and Reheating

Here are storage and reheating instructions for this quick recipe.

Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.

Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.

Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.

Other Recipes to Try