Spaghetti all'Amitriciana

I love pasta! It is that simple. If we eat pasta in our household we try to use wheat or whole grain varieties. This is a pasta recipe that you must try and I guarantee you won't be disappointed. It is full of flavor and so filling that you really don't need anything else with it. A small side salad would be a good dish if you wanted something more.

Spaghetti All'Amitriciana
Serves: 6 to 8 servings
Adapted by: http://www.foodbuzz.com/recipes/4814005-spaghetti-all-amitriciana

Ingredients:
1 pound thin spaghetti noodles - we use Healthy Harvest Wheat Thin Spaghetti
4 ounces pancetta, chopped OR lower fat bacon - we use fresh Boar's Head Pancetta from the deli
3 cloves garlic, minced OR 2 teaspoons minced garlic in oil
1/2 large onion, chopped - we use red onion
1 - 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1 28oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup parsley, chopped OR 1/4 - 1/2 cup dried parsley - recommend fresh parsley
Freshly grated parmesan cheese

Directions:
-Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water and add your spaghetti noodles. Cook noodles according to package.
-Once pasta is done cooking, drain all liquid, except 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set aside.
-While pasta is cooking, take a large nonstick saute pan and add the chopped pancetta. Cook pancetta over medium heat until browned, which should take about 5 minutes or so.
-To the saute pan you will add garlic and onion and cook until the onions are softened.
-Add red pepper flakes, can of tomatoes, and 1/4 cup of the pasta water and stir everything together. Bring to a boil and then simmer on low for 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. If the mixture gets too thick you can add the remainder 1/4 cup of pasta water.
-Add cooked spaghetti and parsley to the sauce pan and stir well to make sure all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
-Place some of the spaghetti onto a plate or in a bowl and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
-Serve immediately

Enjoy! :)

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