Curl Up with Ina Garten’s Heartwarming Spaghettoni Recipe Tonight

Pasta nights just got a serious upgrade with Ina Garten’s weeknight spaghettoni that bursts with rustic Italian flavors.

Her simple yet elegant dish combines crispy pancetta with juicy tomatoes in a mouthwatering symphony.

Rich, savory notes dance across each perfectly cooked strand of pasta.

The ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a comforting meal that feels both gourmet and effortless.

pancetta adds a salty depth that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

weeknight dinners rarely taste this good, with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

You’ll want to savor every delicious bite of this restaurant-quality meal straight from your own kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Weeknight Spaghettoni

• Spaghettoni, Bucatini: Hearty pasta that captures sauce beautifully, choose bronze-cut varieties for better sauce adhesion.

• Pancetta: Rich Italian cured meat adding depth and saltiness, seek high-quality, well-marbled cuts.
• Red Wine: Deepens sauce complexity, select dry Italian wines like Chianti for authentic flavor.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds gentle heat, adjust quantity based on spice preference.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic intensity, choose fresh, firm bulbs without sprouting.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides rich, vibrant base, opt for San Marzano variety for authentic Italian taste.
• Onion: Builds foundational flavor, select sweet yellow onions for balanced sweetness.
• Sugar: Balances tomato acidity, use sparingly.
• Olive Oil: Creates silky texture and supports flavor development, choose extra virgin.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning, use freshly ground black pepper.
• Pecorino Cheese: Adds sharp, salty finish, select aged variety for intense flavor.
• Fresh Basil: Brings bright, herbaceous note, choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.

Must-Have Tools for Tomatoes & Pancetta Pasta

• Large Pot: For boiling water and cooking pasta.
• Medium Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking pancetta, onions, and sauce.
• Slotted Spoon: Perfect for removing pancetta from the pot.
• Tongs: Great for transferring and mixing pasta with sauce.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and garlic.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise chopping.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add salt, sugar, and spices.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Useful for stirring sauce and ingredients.
• Pasta Bowls: For serving the final dish.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Weeknight Spaghettoni

• Water Preparation Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, generously seasoned with salt.
• Pancetta Magic Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven, gently cooking pancetta until crispy and golden brown, then set aside.
• Aromatic Foundation Sauté chopped onions in the same pot until they develop a rich, caramelized color.
• Flavor Burst Add the reserved pancetta, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, creating an intense fragrance.
• Wine Reduction Pour in red wine, allowing it to simmer and concentrate its flavors until nearly evaporated.
• Tomato Symphony Incorporate crushed tomatoes and a touch of sugar, letting the sauce develop depth and complexity.
• Pasta Dance Cook spaghettoni just shy of al dente, then transfer directly into the sauce using tongs.
• Final Flourish Off the heat, fold in Pecorino cheese and fresh basil, creating a creamy, herb-infused masterpiece.
• Serving Elegance Plate the pasta, garnish with additional cheese and basil, presenting a dish that celebrates simple, bold flavors.

Flavor Add-Ins for Ina Garten’s Easy Spaghetti Dish

• Tips and Twists for Weeknight Spaghettoni
• Replace pancetta with smoky bacon or crispy prosciutto for a different flavor profile when traditional ingredients aren't available.
• Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance – start with a pinch and gradually increase for personalized zest.
• Skip pancetta and add sautéed mushrooms or eggplant cubes to maintain depth and richness in the sauce.
• Experiment with fresh oregano or thyme alongside basil for complex, garden-fresh undertones that elevate the entire dish.
• Choose a dry red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the tomato sauce and adds subtle complexity to the overall flavor.

Plating Ideas for Ina Garten’s Tomato-Pancetta Pasta

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Create a crisp green salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and light vinaigrette to balance the rich pasta flavors.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, rustic Italian bread on the side to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and catch every last drop.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Select a medium-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that matches the robust pancetta and tomato profile of the dish.
• Garnish with Extra Herbs: Sprinkle additional fresh basil leaves or chop some parsley on top to enhance the visual appeal and add a bright, herbal touch.

Storage Advice for Ina Garten’s Spaghettoni Dish

• Refrigerate Strategically: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep sauce and pasta separate to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy noodles.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of pasta water or olive oil. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and restore sauce's silky consistency.
• Freeze Smart: Freeze sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and combining with fresh pasta.
• Prep Ahead: Chop onions, garlic, and measure ingredients in advance to streamline weeknight cooking. Store prepped ingredients in sealed containers in the refrigerator for quick assembly.

Rustic Spaghettoni With Tomatoes & Pancetta Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Home cooks can master Ina Garten’s spaghettoni with tomatoes & pancetta through simple techniques and quality ingredients. Fresh herbs and crispy pancetta elevate this classic Italian pasta dish that delivers rich flavors and comforting satisfaction you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (454 g) dried spaghettoni or bucatini
• 6 oz (170 g) diced pancetta
• 1 (14.5 oz) (411 g) can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
• 1.5 cups chopped yellow onion (1 large)
• 0.5 cup dry red wine, such as Chianti
• 1 cup freshly grated Italian Pecorino cheese, divided (4 oz)
• 0.25 cup julienned fresh basil leaves, plus extra for serving
• 2 tsps minced garlic (2 cloves)
• 1.5 tsps sugar
• 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Good olive oil

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Fill a large pot with water and generously salt. Bring to a vigorous boil over high heat.
2. Pancetta Rendering: In a medium Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-low. Sauté pancetta until golden and crisp, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and reserve.
3. Aromatics Development: Using the same pot, caramelize onions by softening and developing deep flavor, stirring periodically for 10 minutes. Reintroduce pancetta, then add garlic and red pepper flakes. Allow ingredients to harmonize for 1 minute.
4. Liquid Concentration: Deglaze the pot with red wine, reducing liquid until nearly evaporated. Incorporate crushed tomatoes and a touch of sugar. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring intermittently.
5. Seasoning Enhancement: Season sauce with salt and black pepper. Adjust taste as needed for balanced flavor profile.
6. Pasta Integration: Cook spaghettoni 2 minutes shy of package instructions. Transfer directly into sauce using tongs, bringing some pasta water. Gently combine over low heat for 2 minutes to marry sauce and pasta.
7. Finishing Touches: Remove from heat. Fold in Pecorino cheese and fresh basil leaves, ensuring thorough distribution. Plate in serving bowls, garnishing with additional cheese and basil. Serve immediately while steaming hot.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve some starchy pasta water before draining, as it helps create a silky, smooth sauce and helps ingredients bind together perfectly.
• Pancetta Perfection: Cook pancetta slowly to render fat and achieve a crispy golden texture, which adds deep, rich flavor to the entire dish.
• Wine Reduction Technique: Let wine reduce completely to concentrate flavors and eliminate raw alcohol taste, creating a more sophisticated sauce base.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Remove pot from heat before adding Pecorino to prevent cheese from becoming grainy, ensuring a creamy and smooth final texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg