Spaghetti Recipe (with Video)

Spaghetti Recipe: Spaghetti is a universally loved dish that combines simple ingredients into a comforting, delicious meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends, spaghetti is a foolproof recipe that never fails to impress. Plus, making spaghetti at home allows you to customize it to your liking, ensuring every bite is just how you want it.

Ready to whip up the perfect spaghetti? Let’s dive into the step-by-step process!

Ingredients Needed

For a classic spaghetti recipe, here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Ingredients:

• 400g spaghetti pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 400g canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Optional Ingredients:

• 200g ground beef or turkey (for a meaty version)
• 1 cup of mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small bell pepper, diced
• Red chili flakes for heat

Tips for Selection:

• Choose high-quality spaghetti made from durum wheat for better texture.
• Opt for fresh herbs and ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.

Kitchen Tools and Utensils

Before you start, ensure you have the following tools ready:

Essential Tools:

• Large pot for boiling pasta.
• Medium-sized saucepan for the sauce.
• Strainer or colander.
• Cutting board and sharp knife.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula.

Optional Tools:

• Cheese grater (for Parmesan).
• Tongs for tossing pasta.
• Immersion blender for a smoother sauce.

No cheese grater? Use a vegetable peeler to create Parmesan shavings!

Preparing Spaghetti – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Preparation is key to seamless cooking. Here’s what to do:

1. Chop and Dice: Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. If using additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, chop them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Measure Spices: Pre-measure the oregano, salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
3. Prepare Protein: If adding ground meat, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until browned, then set it aside.

Prepping everything beforehand ensures a smooth cooking experience.

Step 2: Cooking the Pasta

Perfectly cooked pasta is the heart of any spaghetti dish. Here’s how to do it:

1. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt (about 1 tablespoon per liter). Bring it to a rolling boil.
2. Cook Pasta: Add the spaghetti and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Check the package instructions for cooking time (usually 8-10 minutes for al dente).
3. Drain and Reserve: Once cooked, drain the pasta using a colander. Reserve a cup of pasta water for adjusting the sauce later.

Pro Tip: Drizzle the drained pasta with olive oil to prevent clumping.

Step 3: Making the Sauce

The sauce is what brings the dish to life. Here’s a classic tomato-based recipe:

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
3. Season: Add oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar (if needed). Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Optional Additions: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or browned meat for extra flavor.
5. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Taste the sauce and tweak the seasonings as needed.

Step 4: Combining Pasta and Sauce

Time to bring it all together:

1. Toss Together: Add the cooked spaghetti to the saucepan with the sauce. Use tongs or a wooden spoon to toss until evenly coated.
2. Check Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or other spices if needed.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Mixing the pasta with the sauce ensures every strand is coated with flavor.

Step 5: Serving Suggestions

Presentation makes a difference! Serve your spaghetti like a pro:

1. Plate It Right: Use tongs to twirl the spaghetti into a neat mound on each plate.
2. Add Extras: Top with more cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, or a dash of red chili flakes.
3. Pair It Up: Serve with garlic bread, a fresh garden salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Don’t forget a glass of red wine or sparkling water to complement the flavors!

Tips for Perfect Spaghetti Every Time

1. Avoid Overcooking: Always aim for al dente pasta. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy.
2. Store Smartly: Leftovers? Store spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
3. Reheat Carefully: Reheat spaghetti with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.

Customize your spaghetti with your favorite ingredients and make it uniquely yours!

Substitution Ideas and Customizations

• Pasta: Swap spaghetti for penne, fettuccine, or gluten-free options.
• Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for a quick fix.
• Veggies: Add spinach, broccoli, or zucchini for a healthy twist.

Tips for Storing Leftover Chicken Spaghetti

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture.

Can You Freeze Chicken Spaghetti?

Yes! Chicken spaghetti freezes beautifully. Assemble it, but skip baking. Wrap the dish tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

What to Serve with Chicken Spaghetti

Pair your chicken spaghetti with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it with steamed vegetables or a glass of crisp white wine.

FAQs about Spaghetti Recipe

1. What ingredients are needed to make spaghetti?

To make a classic spaghetti recipe, you’ll need spaghetti noodles, olive oil, garlic, onion, tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, ground meat (optional), salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs like basil or oregano. Feel free to add vegetables or other proteins to customize the dish.

2. How do I cook spaghetti noodles perfectly?

Boil water with a pinch of salt, add the spaghetti, and cook for 8–10 minutes or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse lightly with cool water if you want to stop the cooking process.

3. Can I make spaghetti without meat?

Absolutely! Spaghetti is versatile and can be made vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding ingredients like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for flavor and texture.

4. What’s the best way to thicken spaghetti sauce?

To thicken your sauce, simmer it on low heat until the excess liquid evaporates. You can also add a small amount of tomato paste, cornstarch slurry, or finely grated cheese for extra richness.

5. How do I store leftover spaghetti?

Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best results, store the noodles and sauce separately to prevent sogginess.

6. Can I freeze spaghetti?

Yes, you can freeze spaghetti! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

7. What are some variations of spaghetti recipes?

Popular variations include Spaghetti Bolognese, Spaghetti Carbonara, and Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. You can also experiment with different sauces like pesto, alfredo, or arrabbiata to suit your taste.

By addressing these frequently asked questions, you can confidently prepare spaghetti that suits your preferences and dietary needs!

Conclusion

There you have it—a foolproof guide to making spaghetti from scratch! With a little practice and creativity, you can elevate this simple dish into a masterpiece that everyone will love. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get cooking. Spaghetti night is about to get a whole lot better.