What To Serve With Amatriciana (19 BEST Sides)

Amatriciana is a classic Italian pasta sauce that originates from Amatrice, a small town in the province of Rieti.

Its rich blend of tomatoes, cured pork cheek (guanciale), Pecorino cheese, and a hint of chilli makes it a hearty and beloved dish.

When considering what to serve with pasta amatriciana, it’s important to complement the strong, savoury flavours without overwhelming them.

Want the quick answer? 

The best choices for what to serve with amatriciana include bruschetta, antipasto, Caprese salad, crusty bread, polenta, roasted veggies, arugula salad, and Caesar salad. Round off your meal with an Italian inspired sweet treat like gelato, tiramisu, or panna cotta! 

Read on for more ideas…  

Starter Suggestions

When planning a meal with Amatriciana as the main course, choosing the right starter can set the tone for the dining experience.

Light, flavourful options are perfect to whet your appetite without overshadowing the rich taste of the pasta that will follow.

Bruschetta

For a classic beginning, you cannot go wrong with bruschetta.

This simple yet delicious appetiser involves crispy slices of baguette or ciabatta bread topped with a mixture of diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.

The key is to use fresh ingredients to ensure a burst of flavour that complements the Amatriciana.

• Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, quality bread
• Preparation: Dice, mix, toast, and then assemble

Antipasto

An antipasto platter gives you an array of tastes and textures.

You might include a variety of items such as:

• Cured meats: prosciutto, salami
• Cheeses: mozzarella, pecorino
• Vegetables: grilled aubergines, artichoke hearts
• Other: olives, sun-dried tomatoes

Arrange your selections artistically on a platter, providing a colourful and inviting start.

Caprese Salad

A Caprese salad is another splendid choice that brings the essence of Italian cuisine to your starter menu.

This salad celebrates the freshness of its three starred ingredients: ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and creamy mozzarella.

Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt for a fresh, uncomplicated beginning that’s perfectly suited to precede Amatriciana.

• Essentials: Tomatoes, basil, mozzarella
• Finishing Touches: Olive oil, sea salt

(If you’re a pasta lover and you’re often looking for new ideas to try, you’ll also enjoy what to eat with arrabbiata, what to eat with puttanesca, and what to eat with cacio e pepe!) 

Main Course Companions

When enjoying Amatriciana, it’s essential to pair it with sides that complement its rich, tomatoey sauce and cheeky bits of pancetta or guanciale.

Here are some of the best choices for what to serve with amatriciana to turn it into a satisfying meal… 

Crusty Bread

Sourdough or a rustic Italian loaf serves as the perfect vehicle for mopping up the flavourful sauce.

Polenta

A creamy or grilled polenta provides a lovely contrast in texture to Amatriciana, while its mild taste balances the dish’s savouriness.

Roasted Vegetables

Opt for Mediterranean vegetables like courgettes, bell peppers, and aubergines, as their roasted sweetness pairs nicely with the pasta’s tangy sauce.

Salad Pairings

When enjoying Amatriciana, a refreshing salad can balance its hearty richness.

Here are a couple of salad options that perfectly complement the dish.

Arugula Salad

Arugula, also known as rocket, provides a peppery bite which works well against the savoury notes of Amatriciana.

Consider tossing arugula leaves with a simple dressing made from extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and a touch of honey to sweeten.

Add shavings of Parmigiano-Reggiano for a salty kick and pine nuts for crunch.

Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar salad brings a creamy contrast to the tomato and pancetta-loaded pasta.

Make sure to use crisp romaine lettuce and coat it in a rich Caesar dressing.

Top with homemade croutons, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and for a slight twist, crispy pieces of pancetta instead of the traditional anchovies.

Wine Pairings

When choosing a wine to accompany your dish of Amatriciana, you’ll want to consider wines that complement the tomato-based sauce and the pancetta’s savouriness.

Italian Reds

Italian red wines particularly shine alongside Amatriciana.

A classic pairing is a medium-bodied Sangiovese, such as:

• Chianti Classico: A balanced wine with acidity that cuts through the fat of the pancetta.
• Montepulciano d’Abruzzo: Offers a fruitier profile that pairs well with the tomato sauce.

Another notable mention is Barbera, which provides a lovely balance with its high acidity and low tannins, ideal for tomato-based dishes like Amatriciana.

Light White Wines

While reds are often preferred, don’t overlook light white wines.

Consider options like:

• Frascati: Its crispness and lighter body cleanse the palate between bites.
• Verdicchio: Known for its high acidity and citrus notes, it offers a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the dish.

Selecting a wine with moderate alcohol content and good acidity will ensure it doesn’t overpower the Amatriciana’s flavours.

Dessert Ideas

Let’s not forget the sweet treats when considering the best choices for what to serve with amatriciana! 

Gelato

Gelato differs from its cousin ice cream by having less fat and more flavour intensity.

For a lighter note, opt for fruity flavours like lemon or strawberry.

If you prefer something richer, chocolate or hazelnut gelato makes an excellent choice.

Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a divine layering of coffee-soaked sponge fingers and mascarpone cheese, topped with a dusting of cocoa powder.

This dessert delicately balances the robust flavours of coffee and cocoa with the creamy sweetness of cheese.

Panna Cotta

A chilled panna cotta offers a silky-smooth finish with its custard-like texture.

Often served with berry coulis or caramel sauce, the simple elegance of this dessert pairs wonderfully with the rustic heartiness of Amatriciana.

Beverage Alternatives

If you don’t drink alcohol, there’s still plenty of delicious drinks to choose from. 

Italian Sodas

Italian sodas are a delightful non-alcoholic choice.

They come in various flavours, which you can choose based on your personal taste preferences and how they might complement the tomato and pancetta in your Amatriciana.

• Citrus flavoured: Lemon or blood orange can add a vibrant, tart contrast to the dish.
• Herb infused: Rosemary or basil syrups can introduce an aromatic twist that echoes Italian culinary tradition.

Mineral Water

A glass of mineral water, either still or sparkling, serves as a palate cleanser between bites of Amatriciana.

The bubbles in sparkling mineral water can help lift the richness of the sauce.

• Suggestion: Choose a high-mineral content water for a more pronounced taste experience.
• Temperature: Serve chilled to enhance its refreshing quality.

Which of these sides for amatriciana will you be trying? 

Leave a comment below and share your ideas!