Cavatappi Amatriciana Delight
Indulge in a delicious rendition of the classic Italian dish with our Cavatappi Amatriciana Delight. Inspired by Carrabba's beloved recipe, this dish features perfect corkscrew pasta enveloped in a savory tomato sauce infused with aromatic onions and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Its rich flavors make it a fantastic side dish that can easily stand alone as a comforting main when pancetta is included. This versatile dish is sure to impress at any dinner table or cozy gathering.
N/A
Servings
275
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
cavatappi pasta
8-12 ounces (uncooked)
onions
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
olive oil
1/4 cup (for sautéing)
dry white wine
3/4 cup (for deglazing)
diced tomatoes
28 ounces (2 (14-ounce) cans, with juice)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
pecorino romano cheese
1 1/2 cups (freshly grated)
pancetta
to taste (cooked (optional))
Instructions
1
Cook the cavatappi pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
4
Pour in the dry white wine and simmer until it has nearly evaporated, about 3-4 minutes.
5
Add the diced tomatoes with their juice to the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.
6
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
7
Combine the cooked cavatappi pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to ensure all the pasta is well coated.
8
Gradually mix in the freshly grated pecorino romano cheese until it is melted and creamy.
9
If using, add the cooked pancetta at this stage, mixing thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cavatappi Amatriciana Delight?
Cavatappi Amatriciana Delight is a savory Italian pasta dish featuring corkscrew-shaped pasta in a rich tomato sauce with onions, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the popular Amatriciana dish served at Carrabba's Italian Grill.
Is this dish considered a main course or a side dish?
It is a versatile dish that works perfectly as a side, but can stand alone as a main course, especially when pancetta is added.
How many calories are in a serving of this pasta?
Each serving of Cavatappi Amatriciana Delight contains approximately 275 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is a vegetarian option as long as you omit the optional pancetta.
What kind of pasta is used?
The recipe calls for 8-12 ounces of uncooked cavatappi pasta, which are spiral or corkscrew-shaped noodles.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of the Cavatappi Amatriciana?
The recipe provides 10 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 37.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What provides the heat in the sauce?
A half teaspoon of red pepper flakes is used to give the sauce its signature hint of heat.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1.5 cups of freshly grated pecorino romano cheese.
Why is white wine used in the recipe?
The dry white wine is used to deglaze the skillet, adding depth and acidity to the tomato sauce.
How long should I sauté the onions?
You should sauté the chopped onions for 4-5 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
When should the garlic be added?
Add the minced garlic after the onions are soft, and cook for about one minute until fragrant.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, you should add the 28 ounces of diced tomatoes along with their juice to create the sauce.
How long does the wine need to simmer?
Simmer the white wine for about 3-4 minutes until it has nearly evaporated.
How do I ensure the pasta is cooked correctly?
Cook the cavatappi according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture.
When is the cheese added to the dish?
The pecorino romano cheese should be gradually mixed in after the pasta has been tossed with the sauce.
Is pancetta a required ingredient?
No, pancetta is listed as an optional ingredient to be added to taste.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 11 ingredients required to make this recipe.
How long should the sauce simmer before adding pasta?
The tomato mixture should simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Can I use oil other than olive oil?
While olive oil is recommended for flavor, you could use other cooking oils, though it may change the Mediterranean profile.
What preparation is needed for the garlic?
The 2 garlic cloves should be minced before being added to the skillet.
What makes the sauce creamy?
The combination of the tomato base and the melted pecorino romano cheese creates a creamy consistency.
Is this a fast meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick meal' and involves simple sautéing and simmering steps.
What are some common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include Italian pasta, comfort food, Mediterranean cuisine, and side dish.
Can I use pre-grated cheese?
The recipe recommends freshly grated pecorino romano for the best melting results and flavor.
How much onion is required?
You will need 1 and a half cups of chopped onions.
What should I do with the wine after adding it?
You should simmer it until it is nearly evaporated to concentrate the flavor before adding the tomatoes.
What is the final step of the recipe?
The final step is to mix in the cooked pancetta, if you are using it, before serving.