Giada Amatriciana Sauce Recipe

Buckle up—Giada’s amatriciana sauce is a fiery gem you’ll want on everything!

My sneaky tip: crush the tomatoes by hand—keeps the texture chunky and rustic.

Cooking the meat slowly over low heat lets it render properly, giving the sauce its signature richness.

A splash of pasta water at the end helps coat every strand of spaghetti in that glossy, tomato-packed sauce.

A generous sprinkle of pecorino romano at the end ties everything together with a salty, tangy finish.

How to Make Giada Amatriciana Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 8 oz. Pancetta (diced)
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 1 can Tomatoes (32 oz., peeled)
• 1 cup White Wine
• 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Heat olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat.

Add the diced pancetta and sauté until golden brown, about 8 minutes.

Step 2:

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until tender, around 5 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3:

Pour in the white wine, and stir, scraping up brown bits from the bottom.

Allow it to reduce slightly for about 2 minutes.

Step 4:

Add the peeled tomatoes and red pepper flakes.

Break up the tomatoes with a spoon and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.

Step 5:

Season with salt to taste, stirring occasionally to incorporate flavors.

Adjust the seasoning as needed.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Pancetta Substitution

If pancetta is unavailable, bacon can be used instead for a similar smoky flavor.

Reduce added salt if necessary, as bacon can be salty.

Quality Tomatoes

Using San Marzano tomatoes provides the best flavor, but any good-quality canned tomatoes will work fine in this sauce.

Onion Texture

Dice the onion finely to enhance its ability to meld with the other flavors.

This improves the sauce’s overall texture and consistency.

Spice Level

Adjust the red pepper flakes according to taste.

Add more for a kick, or skip it if you prefer a milder version.

Cooking Consistency

Monitor the simmering process closely to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure an even reduction.

Enjoy this delicious recipe and happy cooking!

What to Serve with Giada Amatriciana Sauce Recipe

Brussels Sprouts

A vibrant side indeed!

Roast Brussels sprouts with just a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper.

The nuttiness and crisp texture pair wonderfully with the savory character of amatriciana sauce.

Polenta

A traditional choice that’s simply scrumptious.

Make a creamy polenta to serve alongside your amatriciana.

Its smooth texture beautifully balances the bold flavors of the sauce.

Arugula Salad

Looking for something fresh and peppery?

Try an arugula salad tossed with lemon juice and shaved Parmesan cheese.

This salad’s freshness cuts through the richness of the sauce, adding a refreshing contrast.

Roasted Eggplant

Introduce a unique twist to your meal.

Slices of roasted eggplant offer an earthy element that complements the tomato-based sauce.

Their tender texture and subtle flavor make for an unexpected but harmonious pairing.

Sautéed Kale

Kale lovers, this one is for you!

Sauté kale with some garlic and a splash of lemon juice.

It’s a vibrant green side that offers a slight bitterness to balance the sauce’s richness.

Variations and Substitutions

Pasta Choices

You don’t have to stick to just rigatoni for this dish if you aren’t in the mood for it.

Bucatini, fusilli, or even penne can make wonderful alternatives.

Choosing a pasta with ridges will help hold the sauce beautifully!

Guanciale Alternatives

Guanciale might be hard to find where you live, and that’s totally okay.

Pancetta or bacon serve as excellent substitutes and lend a nice smoky element to your dish.

Remember to drain excess fat to avoid greasiness!

Cheese Options

While pecorino Romano is traditional for amatriciana sauce, you have choices here.

If you’re looking to soften the flavor, try half pecorino and half parmigiano cheese.

This creates a milder taste that still wonderfully complements your dish!

Add a Kick

Want to spice things up a bit?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to boost the flavor and bring some heat to your dish.

It’s a simple way to enhance the traditional recipe without overpowering it.

How to Store Leftover Giada Amatriciana Sauce

Storing leftover Giada Amatriciana sauce properly can keep it fresh and flavorful.

Don’t let that delicious sauce go to waste!

Make sure you’re using airtight containers, as they are great for maintaining freshness and preventing any spills in your fridge or freezer.

In the Fridge

If you plan on using the sauce within a few days, store it in the fridge.

Put the Amatriciana sauce in an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator where it can last for up to three days.

This way, it’ll be ready when you need a quick meal!

In the Freezer

For longer storage, freezing is the way to go.

Transfer the sauce to a freezer-safe container, label it with the date, and store it for up to two months.

This makes it super convenient to have on hand when you crave that rich flavor!

Reusing the Sauce

When you’re ready to use the sauce again, consider pairing it with a fresh batch of pasta.

It brings that yummy taste right back to life!

So, your leftover Giada Amatriciana sauce doesn’t just sit in the fridge—it becomes a future meal waiting to happen!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overloading with Sauce

One common mistake is going overboard with the sauce, which can overwhelm the pasta and other flavors.

It’s important to keep the sauce-to-pasta ratio balanced for a harmonious dish.

Underseasoning Pasta Water

Make sure your pasta water is heavily salted, just like the sea!

Salted water seasons the pasta from within, enhancing the dish.

Swapping Key Ingredients

Avoid substituting key ingredients, like replacing guanciale with bacon, as it changes the authentic flavor.

Stick to the traditional components for the best results.