This higher-protein Pasta Amatriciana is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish, with chicken mince adding extra protein for a more balanced meal. Quick, easy, and perfect for weeknights, it’s a healthier take on the traditional comfort food.
150 ‒ 200 g pancetta (Italian bacon), diced small
500 g chicken mince
1 yellow onion, small, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, finely diced
2 tbsp tomato paste
400 g tins italian tomatoes, crushed
1 tsp ground black pepper, freshly ground
1⁄2 tsp salt, or to taste
1 tsp chilli flakes, or ½ tsp if you prefer less heat
chili oil, drizzle to taste
50 ‒ 100 g pecorino cheese, finely grated, plus more for serving
500 g rigatoni pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
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Dice the into small pieces and finely chop the and .
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, we’ll add the to cook soon.
Heat in a large pan over medium heat and sauté the for 5 to 7 minutes until rendered and crispy. Remove from the pan, leaving the oil behind, and set aside for serving.
Add the to the same pan and cook until softened. Add the , cook until browned, then stir in the and lightly fry. Season with , , and a pinch of (start light and add more later).
Add the , lightly frying off before adding the . Then let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes until thickened and full of flavour.
Meanwhile, add the to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Toss the drained into the sauce, adding some of the reserved pasta water to help it coat the pasta evenly.
Finish by stirring through the and a drizzle of chili oil.
Plate the , then top with the crispy and additional grated .
When storing leftovers, store the crispy pancetta separately to prevent it from absorbing moisture from the pasta. Keep all leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.