Spaghetti A Cetto: A Tasty Traditional Italian Dish with a Special Touch
A lesser-known but incredibly tasty meal that combines classic Italian tastes with a unique twist is spaghetti a cetto. The meal has a powerful yet soothing profile thanks to its rich, savory sauce, which is frequently flavored with chile, garlic, and anchovies. Spaghetti A Cetto is a great recipe to attempt for a straightforward but tasty meal, regardless of your level of pasta expertise.
We’ll explore the history of spaghetti a cetto in this blog, offer a comprehensive recipe, and offer advice on how to enhance the dish’s flavor.
What is Cetto Spaghetti?
Spaghetti Originating in Southern Italy, a cetto is a classic pasta dish that is frequently prepared with regional ingredients and flavors. Since “Cetto” is a common name in several parts of Italy, especially the south, the moniker “A Cetto” may be a local chef’s name or a regional dialect.
The meal mixes spaghetti, a traditional pasta, with a delicious, spicy, and complex sauce made with red chili flakes, garlic, anchovies, and occasionally olives or capers. These components combine to produce a tasty sauce that adheres to the spaghetti flawlessly and gives each bite a taste explosion.
Spaghetti A cetto is a celebration of the robust, rustic tastes that define Southern Italian cooking, not merely a meal.
Here’s a recipe card for Spaghetti A Cetto in table format:
| Recipe Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Dish Name | Spaghetti A Cetto |
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30-40 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Cuisine | Italian |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 400g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 3-4 tbsp |
| Garlic (thinly sliced) | 3-4 cloves |
| Anchovy fillets | 4-5 fillets |
| Red chili flakes | 1-2 tsp |
| Capers (optional) | 1 tbsp |
| Black olives (pitted & chopped) | 10-12 |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Canned crushed tomatoes (optional) | 1 can (400g) |
| Tomato paste (optional) | 1 tbsp |
Instructions:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Cook the Spaghetti | Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. |
| 2. Prepare the Sauce | Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). |
| 3. Add Anchovies and Chili | Add anchovy fillets and break them down with the back of a spoon. Stir in red chili flakes and cook for 30 seconds. |
| 4. Add Tomatoes (optional) | Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste (optional). Let simmer for 5-7 minutes. |
| 5. Add Olives and Capers | Add olives and capers (if using) to the sauce and stir. |
| 6. Combine Pasta and Sauce | Add the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning. |
| 7. Garnish and Serve | Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with extra olive oil or Parmesan if desired. |
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: The sauce can be frozen, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh each time.
This recipe card provides a quick and easy reference for making Spaghetti A Cetto with detailed instructions and ingredients, making your cooking experience more enjoyable!
Spaghetti A Cetto Ingredients
Let’s review the ingredients that give this dish its distinctive flavor before you start preparing it. Many of these goods may already be in your pantry!
Regarding the Pasta:
400g of spaghetti (enough for four serves)
Olive oil that is extra virgin 3–4 tablespoons (for the sauce’s base)
Garlic Thinly slice three to four cloves. Anchovy fillets 4-5 fillets, depending on availability, either in salt or oil.
Flakes of red chili One to two teaspoons (adjust to your preferred degree of spice)
- Capers One tablespoon (optional; adds a briny kick)
Black olives 10–12, chopped and pitted (optional; adds flavor)
New parsley Chop 2 tablespoons (for garnish)
Salt To taste (for adding seasoning to the sauce and pasta)
Black pepper To taste, freshly ground
For the tomato base, which is optional but enhances flavor:
One can (about 400g) of canned crushed tomatoes is optional, although it adds depth to the sauce.
One tablespoon of tomato paste (optional, for richer sauce)
Detailed Instructions for Making Spaghetti A Cetto
Let’s take a step-by-step look at how to make this tasty pasta dish.
First, prepare the spaghetti.
- Bring water to a boil: Bring a big pot of water that has been salted to a boil. To season the pasta, add around 1-2 teaspoons of salt to the water.
- Prepare the pasta: Add the spaghetti and cook it for the amount of time specified on the package, usually 8 to 10 minutes, or until it is al dente. To keep the pasta from sticking together, stir it occasionally.
- Set aside the pasta water: Save a cup of pasta water before draining. Later on, this starchy water will aid in binding and thickening the sauce.
Step 2: Get the Sauce Ready
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil while the pasta cooks.
- Sauté garlic: Put the thinly sliced garlic in the pan and cook for approximately a minute, or until fragrant. Keep in mind that burning the garlic can cause it to become bitter.
- Incorporate anchovies: Use the back of a spoon to break up the anchovy fillets after stirring them in. As the anchovies dissolve in the oil, a flavorful, umami-rich sauce base is produced.
Add chili flakes: Cook for another 30 seconds after adding the red chili flakes to the pan. Depending on how hot you like your food, adjust the quantity. - Tomato base (optional): Add the tomato paste and canned crushed tomatoes to the pan if you prefer a stronger sauce. After stirring, simmer for five to seven minutes. This will enhance the sauce’s tastes.
- Incorporate capers and olives: Stir the chopped capers and olives into the sauce to create a tart and briny taste that enhances the other components.
Step 3: Mix the sauce and pasta
First, add the cooked pasta. Add the pasta straight to the skillet with the sauce once it has been cooked and drained (but not yet cold). Make sure the spaghetti is uniformly coated by tossing it in the sauce. You can gradually add the pasta water you set aside until you get the right consistency if the sauce is too thick.
- Modify the seasoning: Adjust for salt and pepper by tasting the sauce. You can add extra chili flakes or even a splash of spicy sauce if you want the dish to have a bit more spiciness.
Step 4: Present and Garnish
When the pasta is completely covered with sauce, take the pan off of the burner and add some freshly chopped parsley as a garnish to add some color and freshness.
- Serve right away: Arrange the spaghetti on plates and serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra virgin olive oil if preferred.
How to Prepare the Greatest Spaghetti A Cetto
- Anchovies: Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of them before! They blend nicely with the sauce, adding depth of flavor without leaving a fishy aftertaste. You can omit the anchovies or use anchovy paste instead if you’d rather.
The great thing about this dish is that you can adjust the amount of heat. Add extra chili flakes or perhaps a little hot sauce if you want spicy meals. Cut back on the chili or leave it out completely for a softer version.
The use of tomato paste gives the sauce a thicker, richer consistency. Although it’s not required, feel free to use it if you prefer a heartier sauce.
After sautéing the garlic and anchovies, you can deglaze the pan with a dash of white wine if you’re feeling very daring. It gives the meal a bit more depth and acidity.
Suggestions for Serving
Because spaghetti a cetto is so aromatic and creamy, it goes well with straightforward sides:
Salad: The richness of the pasta will be complemented with a crisp, light salad made with cherry tomatoes, arugula, and balsamic vinaigrette.
- Bread: To mop up any remaining sauce, serve with crispy Italian bread.
- Wine Pairing: Serve the dish with a light red wine like Chianti or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Spaghetti A Cetto Varieties
You can play around with the dish in a number of ways, even if the classic version of spaghetti and cetto calls for anchovies and chili:
This is the vegetarian version. For a hearty vegetarian version, omit the anchovies and capers and substitute sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and additional garlic.
- Seafood Twist: For a seafood-inspired A Cetto, use shellfish such as clams, mussels, or shrimp into the sauce.
- Meat Additions For a meatier version, you can add pancetta or ground sausage to the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Spaghetti A Cetto is the ideal illustration of how high-quality, basic ingredients can combine to produce a dish that will never be forgotten. This pasta recipe will quickly become a classic in your repertoire thanks to its robust, savory sauce and the unique tastes of anchovies, garlic, chile, and olives. It’s a flavorful, quick, and simple meal that works well for dinner parties and weeknights alike. Enjoy a little bit of Southern Italy in the convenience of your own home by giving it a try! Cheers!
1. What can I serve with Spaghetti A Cetto?
Simple Salad: A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a Mediterranean salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives.
Bread: Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to mop up the delicious sauce.
Wine: Pair the dish with a light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, or a light red like Chianti for an Italian touch.
2. Can I make Spaghetti A Cetto ahead of time?
Make the sauce ahead: Cook the anchovies, garlic, chili, and other ingredients in advance and store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked pasta.
Reheat leftovers: Leftover Spaghetti A Cetto can be reheated, but the pasta might become a little softer. Add a splash of olive oil or pasta water to revive the dish.
3 Can I use a different type of pasta for Spaghetti A Cetto?
4. How do I adjust the spice level in Spaghetti A Cetto?
Milder: Use fewer red chili flakes or skip them entirely. You can also add a splash of cream to tone down the heat.
Spicier: Increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a fresh sliced chili to the sauce. For an extra spicy kick, you can even drizzle some hot sauce or add chili oil.
5. Can I make Spaghetti A Cetto without anchovies?
how to make Fish koftas
A delicious and nourishing dish, fish koftas combine the subtle flavors of fish with a savory blend of spices to create the ideal appetizer, side dish, or even main course. Coated in a savory blend of herbs and spices, these succulent fish balls are baked or fried to perfection and served with a creamy sauce or a zesty dip.
