Bobby Flay Bucatini Amatriciana Recipe

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If you are looking for a pasta dish that combines rich flavors with a comforting vibe, Bobby Flay Bucatini Amatriciana is a must-try. Inspired by the classic Italian dish, this recipe captures the essence of Italian cooking while adding a modern twist.

Bucatini Amatriciana has its roots in Amatrice, a town in the Lazio region of Italy. Traditionally, it features guanciale, pecorino Romano, and bucatini pasta, all working together to create a wonderful mix of flavors.

It was made by shepherds who relied on easy-to-preserve ingredients like guanciale and pecorino Romano. Bobby Flay’s take on Bucatini Amatriciana sticks to the original recipe while adding his unique flair.

He introduces a few twists, like a touch of onion and a hint of red pepper flakes, which elevate the flavor profile without overpowering the classic taste.

So without any further ado, check out the detailed recipe with some exciting tips and tricks to follow while making Bobby Flay Bucatini Amatriciana at home.

What's In The Post

Equipment Required

Dutch Oven: I use a Dutch oven because it evenly distributes heat, making it perfect for simmering the sauce. If you don’t have one, a heavy-bottomed pot works well too.
Large Saucepan: A large saucepan is essential for boiling the pasta evenly. If you don’t have one, a stockpot will do just fine.
Slotted Spoon: I prefer a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and pasta while leaving excess liquid behind.
Potato Masher: I use a potato masher to gently crush the tomatoes. If you don’t have one, a wooden spoon works but takes a bit more effort.
Tongs: Tongs are great for tossing the pasta in the sauce. If you don’t have them, a large fork can be used, but I recommend tongs for better control.
Grater: Freshly grated cheese melts better, so I use a grater. Pre-shredded cheese works in a pinch, but fresh is always tastier.
Knife and Cutting Board: I always use a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board to chop the onion and parsley.
Measuring Cups And Spoons: I highly recommend using these to ensure precise proportions, especially for salt and cheese, to get the flavors just right.

Bucatini Amatriciana Ingredients And Substitutions

Note: The ingredients in this recipe will yield 4 servings. However, you can adjust the quantity as per your preference.

1 Pound Bucatini Pasta: If bucatini is unavailable, you can easily use spaghetti or linguine, though they won’t have the same texture.
8 Slices Thick-Cut Bacon (Chunks): If you can’t find thick-cut bacon, I suggest pancetta for a leaner option or guanciale for a smokier taste.
1 Medium Onion (Finely Chopped): I recommend using shallots for a sweeter, milder flavor or leeks for something lighter.
2 Cloves Garlic (Crushed And Minced): In case you’re out of fresh garlic, I suggest garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon per clove) for a similar depth, though it won’t have that fresh zing.
2 Cans (28 Oz) Plum Tomatoes (With Juices): If plum tomatoes aren’t available, you can use diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture or crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
1 Pinch of Granulated Sugar: I suggest replacing it with a tiny bit of honey or maple syrup for a slightly richer sweetness.
¼ Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Crushed): If you don’t have red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper or paprika can be used for a bit of heat.
¼ Cup Flat-Leaf Parsley (Chopped): If parsley isn’t available, cilantro offers a fresh twist.
1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano: I recommend thyme as a substitute for a more earthy flavor or marjoram if you want something milder.
1 Cup Pecorino Romano Cheese (Grated): If Pecorino isn’t handy, Parmesan works well, though it’s slightly milder.
2 Tablespoons Butter: I suggest using margarine if you don’t have butter on hand. It has a similar texture and works well, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
1 Teaspoon Dried Basil Leaves (Thinly Sliced): You can use fresh basil here if dried basil isn’t available.
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil: If olive oil isn’t available, vegetable oil works, though it won’t have the same depth of flavor.
½ Teaspoon Salt
½ Teaspoon Pepper

Preparation And Cooking Time

Preparation Time	Cooking Time	Total Time
5 Minutes	50 Minutes	55 Minutes

How To Make Bobby Flay Bucatini Amatriciana At Home

Step 1

In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the bacon chunks and sauté until golden and crispy, letting the fat render. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon, keeping the bacon fat in the pan.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook until it becomes soft. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. Then, stir in the canned tomatoes with their juices.

Step 4

Add the red pepper flakes and a pinch of sugar to the mixture. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the tomatoes soften and start to break down. Use a potato masher to mash the tomatoes into a coarse puree.

Step 5

Stir in the chopped parsley and dried basil leaves into the tomato mixture, and continue cooking for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7

Now, toss the drained pasta into the sauce, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to help blend everything together.

Step 8

Finally, mix in the butter, grated cheese, and oregano until everything is well combined.

How To Make Bobby Flay Bucatini Amartriciana At Homee

Step 9

Transfer the pasta to a serving bowl, top it with the crispy bacon, sprinkle with extra cheese, and drizzle with olive oil. Your Bucatini Amatriciana is now ready to be enjoyed!

Expert Tips That I Recommend

To boost sweetness, I prefer roasting tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re slightly charred.
I often sprinkle toasted panko breadcrumbs sautéed in olive oil and garlic on top. This adds a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.
If you enjoy bright flavors, I suggest incorporating freshly grated lemon zest right before serving. It really enhances the dish with a refreshing lift.
I prefer cooking the pasta for about a minute less than al dente. This allows the pasta to absorb the sauce’s flavor while it finishes cooking, achieving a tender yet firm texture.
To prevent clumping, I suggest adding grated cheese in batches rather than all at once to the sauce. This will ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.

FAQs About Bobby Flay Bucatini Amatriciana

Why does your Bucatini Amatriciana taste bland?

A bland flavor often results from under-seasoning or using low-quality ingredients. Ensure you’re using fresh, high-quality tomatoes, and season your sauce adequately with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process. Adding aromatic herbs like fresh basil or oregano before serving can enhance the flavor.

How can you achieve a thicker sauce?

If your sauce is too thin, it could be because you did not cook it long enough for the liquid to reduce. To thicken your sauce, try simmering it uncovered for a longer period. Apart from mashing the tomatoes, adding a small amount of tomato paste can help thicken the sauce while intensifying the flavor.

Why does your pasta seem mushy?

Overcooking the pasta is usually the culprit for a mushy texture. Always follow the cooking time on the package and taste for doneness a minute or two before the suggested time. If you’ve accidentally overcooked the pasta, try incorporating it into the sauce immediately to absorb some flavors and enhance its texture.

What can you do if your sauce is too acidic?

Excess acidity often comes from using highly acidic tomatoes. You can balance this by adding a pinch of sugar to the sauce, which counteracts acidity. Additionally, incorporating dairy, such as a splash of cream or a bit of cheese, can help mellow out the sharpness and create a smoother flavor profile.

Why does your dish have a greasy texture?

A greasy texture can result from using too much bacon fat or oil during cooking. To avoid this, ensure you’re not overdoing the bacon or oil when sautéing. Also, consider reducing the amount of oil you use to sauté the onions and garlic. If the dish still seems greasy after combining everything, adding a touch of freshly grated cheese or a sprinkle of breadcrumbs can help absorb some of the excess fat and create a more balanced texture.

What should you do if your sauce is too salty?

If your sauce is too salty, you can add more unsalted tomatoes or even a diced potato to absorb some of the saltiness. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes, then remove the potato before serving. A bit of sugar can also help balance the saltiness without overpowering the dish.

Why does your dish lack depth of flavor?

A dish may lack depth if the ingredients haven’t been cooked properly. To develop a rich flavor base, sauté your onions and garlic until they’re golden. Adding a splash of stock or a hint of balsamic vinegar can also deepen the flavor profile, creating a more complex taste.

How can you fix a dry pasta dish?

If your pasta seems dry, it may not have enough sauce or moisture. Consider adding a splash of pasta water to the dish while tossing everything together, which helps create a silky texture. If needed, you can also add a little extra olive oil or a small amount of broth to moisten the dish.

What can you do if the pasta clumps together?

Pasta can clump if it’s not stirred enough while cooking or if it’s left to sit without enough sauce. To avoid this, make sure to stir the pasta in the boiling water to keep it separate. If it has clumped, try rinsing it under warm water to separate the strands before tossing it with the sauce.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

Bucatini Amatriciana is not the healthiest dish due to its rich ingredients, such as bacon and cheese, which contribute to its higher fat and calorie content. I recommend enjoying it in moderation to fully appreciate its flavors.

Calories	307 kcal
Carbohydrates	37 g
Protein	8.6 g
Fat	14 g
Cholesterol	14 mg
Sodium	753 mg
Potassium	297 mg

This dish is suitable for pasta lovers and those who enjoy hearty meals. However, it may not be ideal for individuals following keto, low-carb, low-sodium, paleo, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets due to their high carbohydrate, sodium, and fat content.

How To Make Bobby Flay Bucatini Amartriciana At Home

Recipe Variations For Different Diets

Keto and Low-Carb Diets: For a keto or low-carb option, I recommend using zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of bucatini. Keep the bacon for flavor, but reduce the quantity, and use a sugar substitute to balance the sauce without adding carbs. Prosciutto can also be a lower-carb alternative.
Paleo Diet: If you’re following a paleo diet, consider swapping the bucatini for spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles. Replace the cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, and use uncured bacon or pancetta to avoid additives.
Dairy-Free and Vegan Diet: For a dairy-free or vegan version, I suggest omitting the cheese or using a dairy-free alternative. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, and coconut cream or cashew cream can provide creaminess. Additionally, replace the bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a similar umami flavor.

Storing And Reheating This Recipe

Storing

Refrigeration: I recommend placing any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps maintain freshness and prevents odors from other foods in the fridge from seeping in. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
Freezing: If you want to save your Bucatini Amatriciana for a longer period, freezing is a great option. I suggest dividing the dish into individual portions and using freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 2 to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating

Stovetop Method: It ensures even heating and helps retain the sauce’s texture. Simply place your Bucatini Amatriciana in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, cover it, and stir occasionally until it’s heated through. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Microwave Method: Transfer your Bucatini Amatriciana to a microwave-safe dish and covering it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat it on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warmed to your liking. This method is quick, but be mindful that it can sometimes affect the dish’s overall texture.

What To Serve With This Recipe

Garlic Bread: I recommend pairing your Bucatini Amatriciana with some warm garlic bread. The buttery, garlicky flavors complement the rich sauce perfectly and make for a satisfying bite.
Caesar Salad: For a refreshing contrast, I’d suggest serving a classic Caesar salad. The crisp romaine and tangy dressing provide a nice balance to the hearty pasta.
Bruschetta: For an appetizer, consider bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and basil. The brightness of the tomatoes beautifully enhances the richness of the pasta.
Grilled Chicken: I often enjoy adding grilled chicken to my meal when serving Bucatini Amatriciana. It provides a lean protein that pairs well with the flavors of the dish.
Caprese Salad: A simple caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes is another great option. The freshness of the ingredients offers a delightful contrast to the warmth of the pasta.
Fried Egg: If you’re feeling adventurous, I’d recommend topping your Bucatini Amatriciana with a fried egg. The runny yolk adds a creamy richness that elevates the dish even further.

Printable Version

More Bobby Flay Recipes That You Can Try

Baby Back Ribs Cut Into Pieces — Bobby Flay Baby Back Ribs

Bobby Flay Sausage Gravy — Bobby Flay Baby Back Ribs

Conclusion

I highly encourage you to try making this recipe. It’s a perfect example of how traditional recipes can evolve while keeping their essence intact. It’s great for a cozy dinner or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen.

If you do give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Drop a comment, share your experience, and let me know if you added your own twist. I can’t wait to hear what you think.