A selection of spaghetti recipes

Spaghetti is the basis for a number of Italian dishes. And no wonder! A bowl of pasta with aromatic herbs and a hot, piquant sauce can rightfully be considered one of the main culinary symbols of this country. The city of Pontedassio even has a museum where you can learn a lot about this type of pasta. For example, properly cooked spaghetti is not only delicious but also healthy!

Spaghetti – How to Cook It Properly

Spaghetti differs from regular pasta in its shape and size. Originally, these thin pasta balls were 50 cm long, but later, to save money, manufacturers reduced this to 25 cm. They are made from durum wheat, which gives them a light yellow hue and makes them easy to handle.

Spaghetti’s widespread popularity stems from its ease of preparation. Simply drop them into boiling, salted water and cook according to the package instructions. The ideal state of cooked spaghetti is called “al dente”—when the pasta tubes are firm, not overcooked, and the center is slightly firm when chewed. Serve immediately after cooking, preferably without stirring, and top with sauce, sprinkling with grated hard cheese before serving.

Spaghetti Sauces

Chefs around the world are constantly inventing new variations of spaghetti sauces. The scope for creativity and imagination is incredibly broad. Meat, fish, seafood, all kinds of vegetables, including tomatoes, and even fruits pair beautifully with pasta. Besides their delicious flavor, sauces are also beneficial for health, as they contain a large amount of vitamins.

Popular Spaghetti Sauces:

• Creamy Tomato
• Creamy Cheese
• Garlic Mushroom
• Tomato
• Pesto
• Bolognese
• Béchamel

Many consider Italian cuisine too complex to master and hesitate to make their own spaghetti sauce using store-bought sauces. But in fact, many recipes are so simple that even a novice cook can easily master them.

Spaghetti Recipes

Let’s look at several classic pasta recipes with various sauces that don’t require many ingredients or special skills. Meanwhile, the dishes are delicious and filling.

Spaghetti with Meatballs

Meatballs owe their popularity to their ease of pairing not only with pasta but also with other main dishes.

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti – 200 grams
• Onion – 1
• Vegetable oil – 50 grams
• Garlic – 4-5 cloves
• Tomato juice – 350 ml
• Ground beef or pork – 350 grams
• Fresh herbs
• Salt, pepper, and spices to taste

First, prepare the tomato paste. In a preheated frying pan, combine the vegetable oil, tomato juice, and spices. While the sauce simmers over low heat, form the meatballs. Finely chop the onion and garlic and mix with the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Using a teaspoon, form neat meatballs and place them in the frying pan with the sauce. Simmer for 15 minutes over medium heat.

Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Divide the cooked pasta among bowls and add the meatball sauce. A pinch of chopped herbs will add flavor and aroma to the finished dish.

Spaghetti with Chicken and Mushrooms

This dish is perfect for a light dinner and is ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti – 350 grams
• Chicken breast – 2 pcs.
• Mushrooms – 300 grams
• Onion – 1 pc.
• Cream (20%) – 300 ml
• Vegetable or olive oil – 3 tbsp
• Garlic – 2-3 cloves
• Hard cheese – 100 grams
• Fresh herbs
• Salt, pepper, and seasonings to taste

First, cook the spaghetti for the time indicated on the package. Drain and let it simmer, covered. Next, let’s prepare the side dish.

Peel and slice the onion into half rings. Wash and thinly slice the mushrooms. Place the mushrooms and onions in a preheated frying pan and sauté, stirring, for about 10 minutes. Rinse the chicken, pat dry with paper towels, and cut into small pieces. Then add the chicken to the pan and slowly pour in the cream. Simmer for 20 minutes until tender.

Arrange the cooked spaghetti on plates and top with the chicken and mushroom sauce. Finely chopped herbs and grated cheese will garnish this delicious dish.

Spaghetti with Seafood

Pasta with scallops and lemon juice cooks quickly. This dish is perfect for both a simple dinner and a festive table.

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti – 300 grams
• Scallops – 450 grams
• Butter – 4 tbsp
• Onion – 1
• Garlic – 2 cloves
• Lemon zest – 1 tsp
• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
• Salt, pepper, and tarragon to taste

Cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water until tender. Drain the water and set aside one cup of the water. You’ll need it later.

Meanwhile, heat the butter in a frying pan. Finely chop the garlic and slice the onion into half rings. Add the vegetables to the pan, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, then add them to the pan with the cooked pasta.

Spaghetti with Chicken and Vegetables

A simple recipe for a quick and delicious dinner! The amazing combination of vegetables and light chicken will impress everyone.

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti – 250 grams
• Chicken breast – 2
• Bell peppers (assorted) – 3-4
• Onion – 1
• Garlic – 2-3 cloves
• Fresh herbs – 1 bunch
• Frozen beans – 100 grams
• Carrot – 1
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp
• Celery – 1
• Soy sauce – 4 tbsp
• Salt, pepper, and seasonings to taste

Cook the spaghetti in boiling water according to package instructions. Cut the chicken breast into slices and brown them in a frying pan with olive oil. Add chopped garlic, onion, and seasonings. Chop the celery and carrots and add them to the chicken. Simmer for a few minutes. Next, add the julienned bell pepper, green beans, and finely chopped fresh herbs to the main mixture.

Add the cooked pasta and drizzle with soy sauce. Gently stir and let simmer for another 4 minutes. Serve the finished dish.

Spaghetti with Shrimp in a Creamy Garlic Sauce

Treat yourself to the amazing combination of pasta and tender shrimp.

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti – 450 grams
• Shrimp – 600 grams
• Cream 20% – 300 ml
• Garlic – 4 cloves
• Olive oil – 4 tbsp
• Fresh herbs
• Salt, pepper, and seasonings to taste

While the spaghetti is cooking, let’s prepare the shrimp. Fry finely chopped garlic in olive oil and remove from the pan. Fry the shrimp in the garlic oil on both sides and transfer to another pan. In the freed pan, combine the cream, salt, and seasonings and simmer until thickened. Add the fried shrimp and simmer over medium heat for another 3-4 minutes.

That’s it! Divide the cooked pasta among bowls, top with the creamy shrimp sauce and chopped herbs for added flavor. Enjoy!

Have fun cooking!