• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Free Email Series!

5 Time and Stress Saving Cooking Secrets

Free email series of my best tips!

Visit my other Site: Pancake Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Free Email Series!

    5 Time and Stress Saving Cooking Secrets

    Free email series of my best tips!

  • Visit my other Site: Pancake Recipes

Rachel Cooks®

Easy Healthy-ish Recipes

  • Recipe Index
  • Popular
    • Instant Pot Pinto Beans
    • Green Beans with Bacon
    • Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
    • Roasted Sugar Snap Peas
    • Beef Stew Seasoning
    • Chili Seasoning Recipe
    • Thousand Island Dressing
    • Poppy Seed Dressing
    • Copycat Panera Squash Soup
    • Chocolate Chip Blondies
    • Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast
    • Frosé
    • Best Chocolate Cake
    • Dill Vegetable Dip
    • Instant Pot Jasmine Rice
    • Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
  • Learn to Cook
    • All The Basics
    • Crostini
    • Delicata Squash
    • Butternut Squash
    • Kabocha Squash
    • Spaghetti Squash
    • Guacamole
    • Croutons
    • Snap Peas
    • Baked Potatoes
    • Baked Bacon
    • Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
    • Simple Syrup
    • Pickled Red Onions Recipe
    • Toasted Pine Nuts
    • Roasted bone-in Chicken Breasts
    • Poached Chicken
    • Roasted Whole Chicken
    • Easy Cheese Sauce

Dinner Made Easy:

Slow Cooker

5 Ingredients

Grilling

Make Ahead

Sheet Pan

Tacos

Pizza

Home Recipes by Type Pasta
OP One Pan DF Dairy-Free FF Freezer Friendly

Pasta Amatriciana (one pan!)

4.80
/5
45 mins
8 Comments
Jump to Recipe Video
By: Rachel GurkPosted: 02/10/2021Updated: 03/13/2023

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Overhead view of pasta with tomato sauce, text overlay reads "One Pan pasta Amatriciana, rachelcooks.com"
Overhead view of pasta with tomato sauce, text overlay reads "One Pan pasta Amatriciana, rachelcooks.com"
Overhead view of pasta with tomato sauce, text overlay reads "One Pan pasta Amatriciana, rachelcooks.com"
Overhead view of pasta with tomato sauce, text overlay reads "One Pan pasta Amatriciana, rachelcooks.com"

Enjoy a classic Italian pasta dish, pasta amatriciana, rich with smoky pancetta and fire roasted tomatoes, right in your own kitchen. Even better, you can make it all in one pan!

Recipe Overview

Why you’ll love it: This pasta recipe is a nice alternative to regular spaghetti with meat sauce. The clean-up is so easy, too.

How long it takes: 45 minutes
Equipment you’ll need: a large skillet with a lid, or Dutch oven
Servings: 8

Overhead view of pasta in a tomato based sauce, topped with cheese.
Table of Contents
open
  • 1 Recipe Overview
  • 2 What is Amatriciana?
  • 3 How we’ve made it easier
  • 4 What You’ll Need
  • 5 How to make this recipe
  • 6 Serving Suggestions
  • 7 FAQs
  • 8 Make It Your Own
  • 9 Storage & Reheating Tips
  • 10 More one pan pasta recipes
  • 11 Get the Recipe: Pasta Amatriciana (one pan!)

What is Amatriciana?

One of the best known pasta sauces in Italian cuisine, all’amatriciana is traditionally prepared with cured pork cheek (guanciale), pecorino cheese, tomatoes, and sometimes onions (thanks, Wikipedia). Amatriciana is usually served with bucatini or spaghetti.

Not sure how to say “amatriciana”? Don’t feel bad, I stumble over it, too. Here’s how: aa.muh.tree.chaa.nah! Just practice a few times and no one will guess that Italian isn’t your first language.

How we’ve made it easier

I’ve made this iconic dish easier for you with my one pan pasta recipe. You’ll love how delicious and healthy it is. No one will guess that you made everything, sauce and pasta, in one pan, in less than 45 minutes!

And I promise you won’t have to ask your harried grocer for cured pork cheek, quite possibly avoiding the stink eye or at the very least, a totally blank look. 

Pasta with tomato sauce in a white pan.

What You’ll Need

  • Pancetta – Pancetta gives this pasta its signature smoky flavor. You could also use bacon, or omit it and sprinkle in a little smoked paprika for a vegetarian version. It won’t be quite the same, of course, but it will be delicious!
  • Red Onion – A yellow onion or sweet onion will work fine as well.
  • Dry White Wine – The wine adds a nice layer of flavor, but if you prefer to omit it, just use a little extra chicken broth.
  • Crushed Tomatoes & Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes – The crushed tomatoes provide the bulk of the sauce, and the fire roasted tomatoes give it an extra layer of smokiness. If you can’t find them, regular diced tomatoes will work.
  • Chicken Broth – For a vegetarian version (if you’re opting for smoked paprika as I mentioned above), use vegetable broth.
  • Whole Wheat Pasta – Our family loves whole wheat pasta, but choose a more traditional pasta if you’d like, or a gluten-free pasta. Keep in mind cooking time may change slightly.
  • Herbs and Spices: You’ll need garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, parsley, and basil.
  • Parmesan Cheese – This is optional, but of course highly recommended.
Close up of whole wheat penne in a tomato sauce.

How to make this recipe

This is just a quick run through of the recipe. There are complete instructions on the recipe card, along with specific measurements and nutrition information.

You’ll need a large straight-sided skillet with a cover, a sharp knife for the onion and garlic, and a can opener. That’s it — no colander or big pasta pot to wash. The pasta is cooked right in the sauce.

Begin by briefly cooking the pancetta in the skillet, then adding the onion, and then the garlic and red pepper flakes. All this sautéing shouldn’t take much more than 15 minutes, if that. Add the wine and cook over high heat until the wine is reduced by half. Just savor that lovely smell of wine cooking with pancetta, garlic, and onion. Yum!

Pour in the canned tomatoes, broth and dried oregano, stir everything well, and then add the uncooked pasta, making sure it’s all nicely tucked into the sauce. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and simmer until the pasta is al dente. Give it a stir now and then. If it’s looking a little dry, add a bit more broth or water. The pasta absorbs a lot of liquid.

Sprinkle with the fresh parsley and basil, and Parmesan cheese, if you like. I bet you can’t wait for your first forkful! And wasn’t that so easy?

Serving Suggestions

Serve this (not quite authentic) pasta dish with a classic but very simple arugula salad, fresh bread with restaurant style dipping oil, and maybe even a glass of Chianti. Buon appetito!

Pasta in a pan, surrounded by two wine glasses, bread, and two plates.

FAQs

What does amatriciana mean?

This familiar pasta dish is named for the place it originated, Amatrice, a small mountain village in Italy.

What is the difference between arrabbiata and amatriciana?

Very simply put, amatriciana is distinctive because it’s made with a special type of smoked meat, guanciale, which is cured pork cheek. It isn’t as spicy as arrabbiata, which is translated “angry pasta.”

Make It Your Own

  • Make it with bacon instead of pancetta. Substitute 5 to 6 slices of thick cut bacon, chopped into 1-inch pieces. Proceed with the recipe as directed. 
  • Choose the pasta you like best, whether it’s regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free. 
  • Spice it up by adding more red pepper flakes or black pepper.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerate leftovers, covered, for up to 3 days. You can freeze this pasta as well. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet, adding more broth if the pasta seems too dry. 

Pasta in a white, wooden handled pan, with wine in background.

More one pan pasta recipes

Are you with me on this one? I just love one pan pasta recipes. They taste great and there’s so much less cleanup. Here’s more recipes for you:

  • Chicken Marsala Pasta
  • Taco Pasta
  • Pizza Pasta (ready in 20 minutes!)
  • Homemade Hamburger Helper
  • Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
  • Easy Skillet Lasagna
  • Gnocchi with Kale and Sundried Tomatoes
  • One Pan Lemon Pasta with Sausage, Asparagus, and Dill
  • Creamy Chicken Spaghetti (one pan, endless variations!)
  • Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Interested in a weekly meal plan (it’s free!) that includes this recipe? Take a look at my Meal Plan #8. You’ll find a wholesome recipe for each weekday plus a categorized grocery list. Let me do the planning for you this week!

We’ll be adding a new meal plan weekly. If you’re interested, browse all of our meal plans.

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!

Overhead view of a pan of pasta with tomato sauce, fresh parsley, and grated cheese.
Recipe

Get the Recipe: Pasta Amatriciana (one pan!)

4.80 from 5 votes
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
8 servings
Print Rate Recipe
Prevent your screen from going dark
Enjoy a classic Italian pasta dish, pasta Amatriciana, rich with smoky pancetta and fire roasted tomatoes, right in your own kitchen. Even better, you can make it all in one pan!

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 to 5 oz. pancetta, diced
  • 1 cup diced red onion (about 1 small red onion)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (14.5 oz.) fire roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth (low sodium) or water
  • 16 ounces whole wheat pasta, uncooked (we used penne)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped or torn
  • Grated or shredded Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions

  • In a large straight sided skillet or Dutch oven, cook pancetta over medium heat, stirring frequently, until almost crisp, about 8 minutes.
  • Add diced onion, salt and pepper to the pan, cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add red pepper flakes and garlic; sauté for another minute. 
  • Pour in wine and cook until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, fire roasted tomatoes, water or broth, and oregano, and bring to a boil.
  • Add uncooked pasta and stir well, pushing pasta down into sauce. Turn heat down, maintaining a simmer. Cover and cook, stirring frequently, until pasta is al dente, about 12 to 14 minutes. 
  • Stir in parsley and basil. Serve with Parmesan, if desired.

Notes

Make it your own

  • If desired, use bacon instead of pancetta. Substitute 5 to 6 slices of thick cut bacon, chopped into 1-inch pieces. Proceed with the recipe as directed. 
  • Choose the pasta you like best, whether it’s regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free. Keep in mind cooking time may change slightly.
  • Spice it up with additional red pepper flakes or black pepper.
  • For a vegetarian option, omit pancetta, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for smokiness.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate leftovers, covered, for up to 3 days. You can freeze this pasta as well. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet, adding more broth if the pasta seems too dry. 

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1.5cups, Calories: 335kcal, Carbohydrates: 45g, Protein: 11g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 9mg, Sodium: 405mg, Potassium: 289mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 561IU, Vitamin C: 10mg, Calcium: 53mg, Iron: 2mg

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

© Author: Rachel Gurk
Did You Make This?Be sure to upload a photo & tag me at @RachelCooksBlog. I love seeing what you made!
Share A Photo! Tag on Insta Rate It
Free email series

5 Time & Stress Saving Cooking Secrets

Free email series of my best tips!

FREE BONUS!

You May Also Like...

  • Chicken marsala in orange cast iron skillet with wooden spoon.
    One Pan Chicken Quinoa Marsala Recipe
  • White bowl full of whole wheat penne pasta, chicken, mushrooms, fresh parsley, and parmesan cheese.
    Chicken Marsala Pasta - One Pan!
  • Overhead of chicken spaghetti in white skillet, alongside cutting board with shredded cheese.
    Creamy Chicken Spaghetti - one pan, endless variations!
  • Close up of chicken served with rice, carrots, and a creamy tomato sauce. It is served in a small bowl with rice and cilantro.
    Easy Chicken Tikka Masala - one pan!
Cooked chicken breast in the basket of an air fryer.
Previous Post
Air Fryer Chicken Breasts – juicy every time!
Light red drink in a stemmed glass with raspberries nearby.
Next Post
Raspberry Rosé Spritzer – easy cocktail!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Review Cancel reply

Recipe Rating




The maximum upload file size: 1 MB. You can upload: image. Drop files here

  1. June says

    September 16, 2021 at 4:44 am

    Wonderful,simple and delicious recipes!!!!!!!Thank you

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      September 16, 2021 at 6:08 am

      So glad you liked the recipe! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

      Reply
  2. Debra Hand says

    February 15, 2021 at 10:40 am

    I made this recipe this weekend. It was FANTASTIC!!! This is a new family favorite. More one pot recipes please ;D

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      February 15, 2021 at 2:44 pm

      So glad to hear it! I’ll keep them coming! :)

      Reply
  3. Denise says

    February 10, 2021 at 11:58 pm

    E` molto buono!

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      February 11, 2021 at 8:14 pm

      :) :) :)

      Reply
  4. Ted Vetzal says

    February 10, 2021 at 9:23 am

    Rachel,
    When you say gently reheat leftovers in the microwave, what do you mean? I seemed to have missed when the “Gently” button is on my microwave. Do I lovingly rock the microwave back and forth while reheating?

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      February 11, 2021 at 8:15 pm

      Your comment made me laugh out loud and is very fair. We’ll be more specific going forward. :)

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Hi, I'm Rachel! Life can be complicated, cooking shouldn't be! I believe that you can put a delicious meal on the table without stressing. It's possible, and I'm here to help. Have a seat at my table...let's chat, eat, and have fun! Read more...

Air Fryer Instant Pot 30 Minutes One Pan Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Slow Cooker Vegetarian 5 Ingredients

Trending

Cooked salmon fillet on a grey-toned plate with cooked asparagus spears. The salmon is being flaked with a fork.

Air Fryer Salmon – easy and delicious!

Pizza pasta being scooped from a pan with a wooden spoon.

Pizza Pasta – 1 pan, 20 minutes

Image of a giant bowl of spaghetti with turkey meatballs.

Baked Turkey Meatballs

Asparagus Panzanella Salad

Seasonal

Beef and vegetable stir fry in a black wok.

Beef Stir Fry With Vegetables

Hot honey chicken sheet pan dinner with honey being drizzled on.

Hot Honey Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Sweet and sour shrimp lettuce wrap garnished with green onion.

Sweet and Sour Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

BBQ Chicken burrito bowl with avocado and sour cream.

BBQ Chicken Bowl

Opens in a new window Opens an external site Opens an external site in a new window
Free Bonus!

5 Cooking Secrets to Save Time & Stress

Free email series of my best tips and recipes!

Featured On:

Back to Top
  • About
  • Contact
  • Press
  • Work with Me
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility
© 2023 Rachel Cooks®
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled