sizzling spaghetti recipe has quickly become a favorite in Sophia’s kitchen. After experimenting with various pasta dishes, she was craving something with a bit of flair. One evening, while browsing through her grandmother’s old recipe book, she discovered a twist on the classic spaghetti that promised crispy edges and a burst of rich flavors. Intrigued, Sophia set out to make it her own. Little did she know, this sizzling pasta would soon become the star of her dinner parties, leaving her friends asking for more. It was a recipe that turned a simple meal into an unforgettable experience.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Discover how to make a Sizzling Spaghetti
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Sizzling Spaghetti is a delicious and exciting twist on your classic pasta dish, infused with flavor and served with a sizzling effect that enhances both the taste and presentation. This dish involves perfectly cooked pasta combined with a savory, garlicky sauce, and then finished off with a little sizzle in the oven for that extra special touch.
Ingredients
Sizzling Spaghetti
For the Spaghetti:
- 8 oz spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (for the pasta water)
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
- Extra fresh basil, for garnish
- Crusty bread or garlic bread (optional)
Instructions
Sizzling Spaghetti
1. Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving a little bit of pasta water to help thin out the sauce if needed.
2. Prepare the sauce:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the chopped basil.
3. Sizzle the pasta:
- Preheat a large serving platter or cast-iron skillet in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes. Once the platter is hot, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the bottom of the platter or skillet and swirl to coat. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, then pour the sauce over the pasta, tossing everything together so that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
4. Sizzle and serve:
- Place the skillet or platter back in the oven for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to bubble and the edges of the pasta to get a little crispy. Remove from the oven, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil.
5. Serve:
- Serve the sizzling spaghetti immediately while it’s still hot and sizzling. Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra crispy edges: Allow the pasta to sit in the hot skillet for a few more minutes in the oven to achieve a beautifully caramelized edge.
- Add protein: For an added protein boost, sauté some ground sausage or chicken and mix it into the sauce.
- Make it creamy: To create a rich, creamy sauce, stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or ricotta cheese at the end of cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 11 g
What You Need to Make Sizzling Spaghetti
Before you dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this mouthwatering dish. This recipe is simple but packed with flavors that will take your spaghetti experience to the next level.
For the Spaghetti:
- 8 oz spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (for the pasta water)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, with a little extra set aside for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
- Extra fresh basil, for garnish
- Crusty bread or garlic bread (optional)
How to Make Sizzling Spaghetti
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the spaghetti, and cook according to the package directions—typically 8 to 10 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta, making sure to save a small amount of the cooking water to help bring the sauce together later. This will come in handy to adjust the consistency of your sauce if needed.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
While your pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, letting them cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the diced tomatoes along with the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, and don’t forget to stir in the fresh basil for that extra pop of flavor.
3. Sizzle the Pasta:
Next, you’ll need to preheat a large serving platter or a cast-iron skillet in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 5-7 minutes. The heat from the platter or skillet will give the pasta that crispy edge that makes sizzling spaghetti so delicious! Once the platter is hot, add a tablespoon of olive oil to coat the bottom of the dish. Then, add the drained pasta, followed by the prepared sauce, tossing everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
4. Sizzle and Serve:
Now it’s time to make that pasta sizzle! Return the skillet or serving platter to the oven for an additional 2–3 minutes to heat through. This brief time in the oven allows the sauce to bubble up and gives the edges of the pasta that golden crispiness. Once done, remove from the oven and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top, followed by a few fresh basil leaves for garnish.
5. Serve:
The sizzling spaghetti is now ready to serve! For the best experience, serve this dish right away while it’s hot and sizzling with fresh flavor. To complete the meal, serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Tips for the Best Sizzling Spaghetti
- Use a cast-iron skillet: This is key for getting the crispy edges on your pasta. If you don’t have one, any oven-safe dish will work, but a cast-iron skillet provides the best results.
- Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, make sure to add the red pepper flakes in the sauce. You can adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Extra crispy? If you like your pasta extra crispy, feel free to leave it in the oven for another minute or so.
- Make it vegetarian: To make this dish vegetarian, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
Final Thoughts on Sizzling Spaghetti
Sizzling spaghetti brings an exciting twist to the classic Italian favorite, elevating a simple pasta dish into something extraordinary. The unique preparation method—where the spaghetti is cooked until it sizzles in a hot pan—creates irresistible crispy edges while locking in the rich flavors of the sauce. This contrast of textures adds depth to every bite, making it a delightful departure from the traditional soft pasta dishes we’re used to.
What truly sets sizzling spaghetti apart is its versatility. You can keep it simple with a basic tomato and garlic sauce or experiment with ingredients like ground meat, spicy sausage, or seasonal vegetables. A touch of chili flakes can add heat, while a generous sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh basil enhances the aroma and taste. No matter the variation, the sizzling method enhances the overall flavor profile, delivering a bold and satisfying experience.
Despite its gourmet appeal, this dish is surprisingly easy to make. With just a few pantry staples and a good skillet, anyone can master it. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet indulgent, and it’s equally impressive for dinner guests who crave something both comforting and unique.
Sizzling spaghetti isn’t just about flavor—it’s also about presentation. The sound of the sizzle and the caramelized edges create a multisensory experience that’s as pleasing to the ear and eye as it is to the palate.
In conclusion, sizzling spaghetti is a fun, flavorful, and visually appealing way to enjoy pasta. It’s a creative spin on a beloved classic that proves you don’t need complex ingredients to make something special. Try it once, and it might just become a new favorite in your pasta rotation.
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FAQs About Sizzling Spaghetti
Do they twirl spaghetti in Italy?
Yes, twirling spaghetti is a common practice in Italy and is considered the polite and traditional way to eat long pasta. Italians typically use just a fork to twirl the noodles into a small, manageable bite. While some may use a spoon to assist with the twirling, this is more commonly seen outside of Italy. True Italian etiquette generally favors twirling the pasta against the plate using only the fork, which helps maintain neatness and proper portioning in each bite.
What is the Italian word for twisting spaghetti?
The Italian word for the action of twisting or wrapping spaghetti is “avvolgere.” This verb means “to wrap” or “to wind,” which perfectly describes the motion of twirling spaghetti around a fork. The practice is more than just functional—it reflects the mindful and respectful way Italians approach their food, treating each meal as a ritual of enjoyment and care.
What is a spaghetti toastie called?
A spaghetti toastie, while not traditionally Italian, has become a popular comfort food in various parts of the world. It’s often referred to as a “spaghetti sandwich” or “pasta toastie.” This dish involves placing leftover spaghetti—sometimes with sauce and cheese—between slices of bread and toasting it until golden and crispy. It’s a creative way to repurpose leftovers and can be customized with various fillings to suit your taste. Though not commonly found in Italy, it showcases the global love for pasta and the endless possibilities for reinventing it.
Is sizzling spaghetti an Italian tradition?
Not exactly. Sizzling spaghetti, where pasta is cooked or reheated in a hot skillet to create crispy, caramelized edges, is more of a modern twist or fusion dish rather than a traditional Italian method. However, it does align with the Italian philosophy of maximizing flavor and texture from simple ingredients. Italians often pan-fry leftover pasta to give it new life, a technique known as “pasta ripassata in padella.” This is similar to the sizzling spaghetti concept, showing how innovation can still draw from classic roots.
Can I use any type of pasta for sizzling spaghetti?
While spaghetti works best for this dish due to its long, slender shape, you can use other types of pasta like linguine, fettuccine, or even bucatini. The key is ensuring the pasta is well-coated in sauce and slightly dry before pan-frying for optimal crispiness.