Neapolitan-style Paccheri
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep time: 20 min
- Cook time: 40 min
- Serving: 4
- Cost: Low
PRESENTATION
Paccheri alla napoletana is a traditional Italian pasta dish that instantly brings to mind lively family gatherings in Naples. You know, everyone chatting, enjoying plates of tender pasta. Really, this dish shines because of its rich Neapolitan sauce—packed with slow-simmered tomatoes, a bit of soffritto, and those crispy cubes of guanciale. I mean, the aroma when they sizzle? So good. Pecorino cheese and fresh basil add a tangy kick and that bright, green touch—really nice.
The paccheri pasta, large and hollow, just perfectly soaks up the tomato sauce. Each bite is, like, bursting with flavor. It’s one of those Italian dishes where you can really taste how just a few quality ingredients create something super special. And yeah, especially when shared with people who appreciate great food. And look, in Campania, this paccheri recipe is a staple for big Sunday lunches or holidays. Those times when the focus is on togetherness. Which is great.
The sauce becomes moist as it simmers and mingles with the pasta. Plus, the guanciale adds a golden crispness and a hint of saltiness that balances the sweet flavor of the tomatoes. The combination of textures is really, really good—some bites are soft and tender, while others are, like, enhanced by bits of guanciale or melted cheese. And pretty much keeps the palate intrigued. Anyone familiar with a Neapolitan kitchen knows how essential these basics are. And, recipes like this? They carry deep family memories.
It’s not just about the food. Honestly, it’s about how it brings everyone together, offering a taste of authentic Italian cooking. That’s what makes paccheri with Neapolitan sauce such a beloved classic. It’s about flavor, tradition, and sharing something real from the heart of Campania’s home kitchens. Really shows the spirit of Naples, where food is a celebration of life and connection.
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- INGREDIENTS
- Paccheri pasta 11.3 oz (320 g)
- Jowls 0.8 lb (350 g)
- Canned tomatoes 3.3 cups (800 g)
- Onions 0.7 cup (100 g)
- Carrots 3 oz (80 g)
- Celery 0.7 cup (70 g)
- Tomato paste 2 tbsp (30 g)
- Pecorino Romano PDO cheese 1.1 oz (30 g)
- Basil to taste
- Fine salt to taste
How to prepare Neapolitan-style Paccheri
To prepare paccheri alla Napoletana, first remove the rind from the guanciale 1, then cut it into slices and finally into cubes about 0.79 in (2 cm) 2. Transfer the guanciale to a saucepan and turn on the heat 3.
Cook over medium-low heat for 15 minutes 4, stirring occasionally so it browns evenly 5. In the meantime, prepare the soffritto: finely chop the onion 6.
Do the same with the carrots 7 and the celery 8. After the 15 minutes the guanciale will be golden, so add the chopped vegetables 9 and let them sauté for 5 minutes.
After having browned the vegetables as well, add the tomato paste 10 and the tomato pulp 11. Stir well with a spoon to deglaze the pan if needed 12 and cook the sauce for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
After this time, the sauce will be nice and thick 13. Drain the paccheri cooked al dente into the sauce 14 and season with almost all of the grated Pecorino 15.
Fragrance with fresh basil leaves 16 and gently mix the contents of the saucepan so as not to break the paccheri 17. Turn off the heat and let rest for a minute, adjusting the salt if necessary 18.
Plate and finish with another sprinkling of Pecorino Romano 19 and a few fresh basil leaves 19. Your paccheri alla Napoletana are ready to be served 21!