How to Make Spaghetti

Spaghetti is one of the most beloved pasta dishes worldwide. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or just for yourself, learning how to make spaghetti is a valuable skill for every home cook. This blog will walk you through the process of preparing a delicious spaghetti dish from scratch, using simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method.

Spaghetti is a traditional Italian dish made from pasta, paired with various sauces such as marinara, Bolognese, or creamy Alfredo. Its versatility and ease of preparation have made it a favorite dish across the globe. In this blog, we’ll focus on how to make spaghetti with a classic marinara sauce, ideal for beginners and those looking to perfect their pasta-making skills.

Before starting the cooking process, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Spaghetti:

• Spaghetti pasta – 400 grams (serves 4)
• Water – 4-5 liters (for boiling)
• Salt – 1 tablespoon (for flavor and preventing pasta from sticking)
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon (optional, helps prevent sticking)

For the Marinara Sauce:

• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
• Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
• Tomatoes – 4 large, chopped or 1 can (400g) of crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste – 2 tablespoons (optional, for thickness and rich flavor)
• Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon
• Dried basil – 1 teaspoon
• Sugar – 1 teaspoon (balances the acidity of the tomatoes)
• Salt and pepper – to taste
• Fresh basil leaves – for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese – for serving (optional)

1. Boil the Pasta:
2. Bring water to a boil: In a large pot, bring 4-5 liters of water to a rolling boil. Add salt to the water to flavor the pasta as it cooks.
3. Add the spaghetti: Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. Cook according to the package instructions (usually 8-12 minutes), or until al dente (firm to the bite).
4. Drain the pasta: When the spaghetti is cooked to your liking, drain it in a colander, but do not rinse. Optionally, you can drizzle some olive oil on the pasta to keep it from sticking.

2. Prepare the Marinara Sauce:

1. Sauté the garlic and onion: In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
2. Add the tomatoes: If using fresh tomatoes, chop them finely and add them to the pan. If using canned tomatoes, pour them directly in. Stir well.
3. Season the sauce: Add oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. For a thicker sauce, you can add tomato paste at this point. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Blend the sauce (optional): If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender to puree it. This step is optional; some people enjoy the texture of a chunky sauce.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning: Before removing from heat, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. If it’s too acidic, add a little more sugar.

3. Combine and Serve:

1. Toss the pasta with sauce: Once the sauce is ready, add the drained spaghetti to the pan with the sauce. Gently toss to coat the spaghetti evenly with the marinara sauce.
2. Garnish and serve: Serve the spaghetti in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil for extra flavor.

To ensure your spaghetti dish is a hit every time, follow these expert tips:

1. Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs will always enhance the flavor of your sauce. If you’re in a hurry, canned tomatoes are a great substitute, but using fresh is ideal when possible.

2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Cooking the pasta until it’s al dente is key to a great spaghetti dish. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its texture.

3. Salt the Water Well

The pasta absorbs water as it cooks, so salting the water properly is essential for a well-flavored dish.

4. Don’t Rinse the Pasta

Rinsing the pasta removes the starch that helps the sauce stick to it. Drain the pasta, but don’t rinse it under water.

5. Customize Your Sauce

Once you’ve mastered the basic marinara sauce, feel free to get creative! Add cooked ground beef for a Bolognese-style sauce, or stir in some cream for a creamy tomato sauce.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make spaghetti, it’s time to put your skills to the test! Whether you’re whipping up a simple marinara sauce or experimenting with new ingredients, spaghetti is a versatile dish that will never go out of style. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for the perfect Italian-inspired meal.

Try this recipe today, and let us know in the comments how it turned out!