PASTA WITH AMATRICIANA SAUCE

AMATRICIANA SAUCE serves 6

4 slices pancetta, 1/4 thick, chopped

3 Tbsp. olive oil

1 small finely chopped onion

2 1/2 cups finely chopped fresh tomatoes or 1 can diced tomatoes with juice

2 Tbsp. tomato paste

salt and pepper to taste

Hot red pepper flakes, 

1 1/2 lb. buccatini or thick spaghetti 


In a 4 qt. pot add 3 qts salted water to boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions, meanwhile

Saute pancetta in olive oil til crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Drain off all but 2 Tbsp. drippings from pan. Add chopped onion and saute til soft scraping the pan but not letting the onions brown.

Add pancetta back into the pan and add tomatoes, tomato paste, salt and pepper. At this point I add hot red pepper flakes. 

Reduce heat and simmer til thickened about 15 minutes.

Pour over pasta and top with pecorino or parmesan cheese and chopped FRESH Italian parsley.