Amatriciana

This easy Amatriciana recipe combines savory diced beef, tender onions, garlic, crushed red pepper, and tomatoes in a rich, flavorful sauce tossed with linguine. Finished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, it’s a comforting pasta dinner that comes together with simple ingredients.

Traditional Amatriciana is commonly made with cured pork, but this version uses beef for a pork-free alternative while keeping the dish hearty, savory, and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Amatriciana

• Simple ingredients: Easy pantry staples come together for a flavorful pasta sauce.
• Pork-free: Diced beef provides a savory alternative to traditional cured pork.
• Quick enough for weeknights: The sauce can be prepared while the pasta cooks.
• A little spicy: Crushed red pepper adds gentle heat.
• Comforting and filling: Pasta, tomatoes, beef, and Parmesan make a satisfying meal.
• Easy to customize: Adjust the spice and herbs to suit your taste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Cooking Method: Stovetop

Ingredients

• 4 slices beef, diced
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans stewed tomatoes
• 1 pound linguine pasta, uncooked
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Amatriciana

1. Cook the Beef

Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.

Add the diced beef and cook until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5–7 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.

If there is excessive fat in the pan, carefully drain some of it while leaving a little behind for flavor.

2. Add the Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped onion to the skillet.

Cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften.

Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for another 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn.

3. Add the Tomatoes

Pour the stewed tomatoes into the skillet.

Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes will soften and the flavors will come together.

For a smoother sauce, gently break up some of the larger tomato pieces with the back of a spoon.

4. Cook the Linguine

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the linguine and cook according to the package directions until al dente.

Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water.

Drain the pasta well.

5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked linguine directly to the skillet with the tomato and beef sauce.

Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.

If the sauce seems too thick, add a small splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your preferred consistency.

6. Finish With Basil and Parmesan

Remove the skillet from the heat.

Stir in the chopped fresh basil.

Divide the pasta among serving plates and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

For extra heat, add another pinch of crushed red pepper before serving.

Recipe Tips for Success

Don’t overcook the pasta

Cook the linguine just until al dente. It will continue to absorb some of the sauce when tossed together.

Reserve pasta water

The starchy pasta water can help loosen the sauce while also helping it cling to the linguine.

Brown the beef well

Allowing the beef to develop some color adds deeper flavor to the sauce.

Adjust the spice

Start with ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for mild heat. Add more if you prefer a spicier pasta.

Let the sauce simmer

Even a short simmer helps the tomatoes become richer and allows the beef, garlic, onion, and chili to blend together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Linguine: Spaghetti, bucatini, fettuccine, or another long pasta can be used.

Beef: Thinly sliced beef strips or lean ground beef can be used instead of diced beef.

Stewed tomatoes: Diced tomatoes can be substituted. Add a little extra Italian seasoning if desired.

Basil: Fresh parsley can be used if basil isn’t available.

Parmesan: Pecorino Romano can be substituted for a stronger, saltier cheese flavor.

Amatriciana Variations

Make It Extra Spicy

Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Add Fresh Herbs

Along with basil, add a little fresh parsley or oregano for additional flavor.

Add Vegetables

Sauté diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini with the onions for a vegetable-packed version.

Make It Creamy

For a richer variation, stir a small splash of heavy cream into the finished tomato sauce.

Add Extra Cheese

Finish with additional Parmesan or Pecorino Romano just before serving.

What to Serve With Amatriciana

Serve this pasta with:

• Garlic bread
• Crusty Italian bread
• Simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Steamed broccoli
• Caprese salad
• Sautéed spinach

A simple green salad with lemon dressing helps balance the richness of the pasta.

How to Store Amatriciana

Allow leftover pasta to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

When reheating, add a small splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave.

Can You Freeze Amatriciana?

Yes, the tomato and beef sauce freezes well.

For the best texture, freeze the sauce separately from the pasta. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop. Cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Amatriciana?

Amatriciana is an Italian-style tomato pasta sauce traditionally associated with the town of Amatrice. Classic versions commonly feature tomatoes, cured pork, chili, and cheese.

Can I use beef instead of pork?

Yes. This version uses diced beef as a pork-free alternative. It gives the sauce a hearty, savory character while keeping the recipe simple.

Can I use spaghetti instead of linguine?

Absolutely. Spaghetti, bucatini, or another long pasta works well with this tomato-based sauce.

How spicy is this recipe?

With ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, the sauce has a mild amount of heat. Increase or decrease the amount according to your preference.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the beef-tomato sauce up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Reheat it while cooking fresh pasta.

Can I use canned diced tomatoes?

Yes. Canned diced tomatoes are an easy substitute for stewed tomatoes. The sauce may have a slightly chunkier texture.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 5 servings and without additional cheese or toppings:

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 72g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 650mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the beef, pasta, tomatoes, and amount of Parmesan used.

Final Thoughts

This Amatriciana Recipe is a simple, hearty pasta dinner with plenty of tomato flavor, savory beef, garlic, onion, and a touch of chili heat. Linguine carries the sauce beautifully, while fresh basil and Parmesan add a flavorful finish.

It’s an easy choice for a cozy weeknight dinner and can be customized with more spice, extra herbs, or your favorite pasta.

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