What You’ll Need
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 6 ounces of guanciale or pancetta, diced
- 1 can (14 ounces) of peeled tomatoes, crushed
- 1/4 cup of pecorino cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound of spaghetti or bucatini pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the guanciale or pancetta. Grate the pecorino and Parmesan cheese and set them aside for later.
Step 2: Cook the Guanciale or Pancetta
In a large skillet or saucepan, add the diced guanciale or pancetta over medium heat. Cook until it becomes crispy and golden brown. This will take around 8-10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same pan with the rendered fat, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they become translucent and fragrant, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
Step 4: Add the Crushed Tomatoes
Pour the can of crushed tomatoes into the pan with the onion and garlic. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Add the crispy guanciale or pancetta back into the pan with the tomato sauce. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Continue to simmer the sauce over low heat for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or bucatini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of the cooking water for later.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce, tossing well to ensure each strand is coated with the delicious Roman Matriciana sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up. Finally, sprinkle the pecorino and Parmesan cheese over the pasta and give it a final toss.
Plate the Roman Matriciana pasta and serve it hot. Garnish with additional cheese and red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy the authentic flavors of Rome right in your own home!
Now that you have mastered the art of making authentic Roman Matriciana, take a trip to the Eternal City with every bite. This classic dish is a perfect way to indulge in the rich culinary heritage of Rome. Buon appetito!