Pasta lovers of all ages know spaghetti, the characteristic, long strands of delicious pasta. Spaghetti is celebrated for its ability to adapt to various flavours and dishes. The beauty of this type of pasta lies in its simplicity and versatility, making it popular in households and restaurants worldwide for the most delicious recipes we know. Enjoy it with a rich Bolognese, a simple aglio e olio, or a fresh, fragrant pesto; from traditional recipes to innovative creations, it is a pasta favourite.
Types of spaghetti
You can enjoy the perfectly round spaghetti strands in different versions. There are dried and fresh varieties, as well as wholemeal spaghetti and regular wheat spaghetti made with semolina. Fresh spaghetti boasts a tender and delicate texture, requiring only a brief boil to reach its silky perfection. Dried spaghetti provides a firm and satisfying bite when cooked al dente, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of sauces. Wholemeal spaghetti brings a rustic charm to your plate with its nutty flavour and slightly coarser texture. It goes well with robust sauces, adding an earthy depth to each bite. Regular spaghetti, made from semolina and water, offers a more neutral, subtle wheat flavour and a smooth, satisfying texture that complements both light and rich sauces.
How much spaghetti per person?
A standard serving size for dried spaghetti is typically 100-125 grams per person. Due to its lighter weight and more delicate nature, the recommended serving size for fresh spaghetti is slightly larger, about 120-140 grams.
You might need to adjust the amount depending on how much sauce and other ingredients you serve with the spaghetti. For simpler dishes like cacio e pepe, we recommend using 10-30 grams more spaghetti per person, and for recipes with a bit more ingredients, such as Bolognese or sauces with cream, chicken, and vegetables, it is usually enough with 10-30 grams less.
How to measure spaghetti?
The easiest way to measure spaghetti is with a kitchen scale. This way, you know exactly how much spaghetti you use, so you do not make too much or too little. For dried spaghetti, you can also use a spaghetti measurer. It is a handy tool with holes that correspond to serving sizes. Alternatively, you can create a makeshift measure by forming a circle with your thumb and forefinger. A diameter of about 2.5 cm is roughly equivalent to one serving of dried spaghetti, or about 75 grams.
How to cook spaghetti
Cooking spaghetti to perfection requires a few simple yet crucial steps. Bring a large pot of water to a vigorous boil – the more water, the better, as it allows the pasta to move freely and cook evenly. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water to enhance the natural flavour of the pasta. Use 1-1.5 tablespoons of salt for every 4-5 litres of water, corresponding to 10 grams of salt per litre of water. Contrary to popular belief, there is no need to add oil to the water; it can prevent the sauce from adhering properly to the pasta later on. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the spaghetti and stir gently to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is al dente – firm to the bite, yet tender – then drain, reserving a bit of the cooking water to help bind your sauce to the pasta.
How long does it take to cook spaghetti?
The cooking time for spaghetti is essential for achieving the ideal texture. Generally, dried spaghetti requires 8-12 minutes of boiling to reach al dente, which is the best texture for an authentic Italian mouthfeel. However, this can vary depending on the brand and thickness of the spaghetti. Fresh spaghetti cooks much quicker, often in just 2-3 minutes. Check the package instructions and taste a strand towards the end of the cooking time to ensure it is to your liking. Perfectly cooked spaghetti should have a delightful bite and be tender yet firm so it is ready to be enveloped by your chosen sauce.
Recipes for spaghetti carbonara
Carbonara is one of the most well-known, exquisite Italian classics. It originates from Rome and features a creamy sauce traditionally made without cream, relying instead on the luxurious combination of eggs, Parmesan cheese, and pecorino Romano. Crispy pancetta or guanciale provides a savoury, salty bite that contrasts beautifully with the silky sauce. Although a classic in its own right, you can find various versions with playful, flavourful additions.
Carbonara with egg yolk
Savour the rich and creamy delight of carbonara with egg yolk. This favourite features perfectly cooked al dente spaghetti enveloped in a smooth cheese sauce, accented by smoked ham, and topped with a luscious egg yolk and sharp cheddar. The egg yolk enhances the dish with a silky texture, adding a touch of luxury to every bite. The creamy carbonara sauce melds beautifully with the robust, smoky flavours of the diced smoked ham, giving you an irresistible recipe.
Mushroom carbonara
Experience the harmonious blend of rich flavours and delightful textures with our mushroom carbonara recipe. This innovative take on carbonara features tender sautéed mushrooms, crunchy almonds, and a creamy sauce made with cheddar and Maasdam cheese. Earthy mushrooms impart a deep, savoury flavour, while almonds add a satisfying nutty crunch. Al dente cooked spaghetti is coated in a luscious sauce, creating a dish that combines simplicity with sophistication.
Vegetarian carbonara
Try our vegetarian carbonara recipe with a white cheese twist. Combining creamy egg yolks, tangy white cheese, and fresh parsley, this carbonara is visually stunning and brimming with vibrant flavours and textures. Tender spaghetti is the perfect canvas for the herbaceous notes of parsley and the rich, tangy flavour of white cheese. Topping each portion with a smooth egg yolk adds a luxurious, creamy element that complements the entire dish.
Courgette carbonara
For a fresh take on carbonara, try our delicious courgette carbonara recipe. This recipe perfectly balances the comfort of creamy carbonara with the freshness of vegetables. Combining creamy egg yolks, sharp cheddar, and cooking cream, it achieves a rich and creamy texture, while crisp courgette ribbons and green peas provide a delightful contrast. The courgettes, sautéed in butter and rapeseed oil, add a rich, nutty flavour that complements the creamy sauce. Each serving is garnished with an egg yolk, adding an extra layer of indulgence.
Spaghetti and pesto recipes
Spaghetti and pesto are a harmonious duo. Pesto is traditionally made from fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil blended into a luscious, aromatic paste. When tossed with al dente spaghetti, the pesto clings to every strand, infusing the serving with its fragrant, rich flavour.
Spaghetti is not the only pasta type that benefits from the company of pesto. Find more inspiration in our articles about penne pasta and fettuccine – both work well with pesto, too.
Pasta with pesto
Our recipe for pasta pesto with grilled chicken and red pepper is a delightful fusion of flavours and textures. Fresh, herbaceous pesto beautifully complements succulent, tender chicken, while sweet, smoky chargrilled red peppers add a striking contrast. The slightly crispy exterior and the juicy interior of the chicken harmonise perfectly with the bold, zesty pesto, resulting in a well-balanced and flavourful dish. This classic pasta pesto recipe, with its rich and velvety sauce, exemplifies the elegance of simplicity in Italian cuisine.
Pasta with pesto and garlic-fried mushrooms
Savour the exquisite blend of flavours and textures in our pasta with pesto and garlic-fried mushrooms. The recipe combines al dente pasta with a rich, earthy flavour of golden-brown oyster mushrooms, sautéed to perfection. The pesto, crafted from toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, and cheese, offers a creamy, aromatic complement to the mushrooms. Mild garlic adds a subtle, distinctive flavour, while a touch of chilli introduces a gentle warmth. Finished with a drizzle of pesto and a sprinkle of fresh rucola, the plate presents a harmonious symphony of creamy, nutty, and herbaceous notes, delivering a sophisticated yet comforting meal.
Spaghetti pesto
Embark on a compelling flavour adventure with our quick spaghetti pesto recipe. It features a tangy pesto sauce combined with toasted pine nuts and salty Parmesan cheese, creating a burst of bold, aromatic flavours. The creamy, velvety texture of homemade basil pesto, blended with rich cooking cream, forms a luxurious sauce that perfectly envelops the spaghetti. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and roasted pine nuts, each bite offers a symphony of savoury and nutty notes enhanced by a smooth, velvety finish.
Spaghetti Bolognese recipes
Spaghetti Bolognese is a timeless pasta classic. It originates from Bologna in Italy and combines the hearty richness of a slow-cooked meat sauce with the satisfying bite of perfectly al dente spaghetti. The slow-simmered Bolognese sauce is made from a harmonious blend of minced beef, aromatic vegetables, and tomatoes. When ladled generously over a mound of spaghetti, the sauce clings to each strand, ensuring a delightful experience with every bite.
With a good Bolognese, you have the perfect base for lasagne. Get inspired for more Italian cooking with our excitingly different lasagne recipes, showing how pasta and a good sauce make the best and easiest oven-bake recipe for the whole family.
Classic spaghetti Bolognese
Savour the rich and robust flavours of classic spaghetti Bolognese, an iconic Italian pasta dish. This recipe combines salsiccia sausage meat with minced beef, infusing the sauce with a delightful depth of flavour. The slow simmering process allows the sauce to develop a complex, savoury profile, balancing the sweetness of tomatoes with the aromatic notes of garlic, onions, and celery. The addition of milk lends a creamy texture, while a splash of wine introduces a subtle acidity, enhancing the overall flavour.
Creamy spaghetti Bolognese
Delight in our indulgent creamy spaghetti Bolognese with succulent minced meat, aromatic vegetables, and a rich tomato cream sauce. This recipe is elevated by the addition of smooth cream and sharp cheddar. The creamy sauce envelops the spaghetti, offering a luxurious texture that complements the savoury meat and the subtle sweetness of the tomatoes. This is a comforting and decadent take on the traditional Bolognese, garnished with grated cheddar and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Easy spaghetti Bolognese
This easy spaghetti Bolognese recipe provides a deliciously fulfilling flavour experience. It features spaghetti coated in a flavourful minced meat and tomato sauce, enhanced by the addition of crème fraiche. This comforting pasta dish is complemented by a fresh basil flavour, adding pleasant herbaceous notes. This simple yet delicious recipe ensures a satisfying meal that can be easily prepared, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Aubergine Bolognese
Experience a Middle Eastern twist on the classic Italian pasta dish with our aubergine Bolognese, also known as Arabic-style spaghetti Bolognese. Aubergine adds a delightful creaminess and mild flavour and soaks up the bold, aromatic sauce, enriched with warming spices such as cumin, coriander, and chilli flakes. The result is an incredibly flavourful and fragrant Bolognese that offers a refreshing variation on the traditional one, perfect for those looking to explore new cuisines.
Easy spaghetti recipes
The best part of Italian cuisine is the simplicity of ingredients and steps. Sometimes, the simplest recipes yield the best result, showing how high-quality ingredients can make a glorious meal. With only spaghetti and a few basic ingredients such as olive oil, garlic, or lemon, you can create the most delicious meals whether you want a luxurious dinner on a busy weekday or serve guests without too much hassle during the weekend.
Cacio e pepe
Savour the tantalising flavours and rich textures of our simple yet utterly delicious cacio e pepe. This timeless recipe showcases the beauty of simplicity by combining high-quality cheese, pasta, and black pepper to create a comforting and mouthwatering experience. The union of melty cheese, cooked spaghetti, and the bold punch of black peppercorns make every bite a celebration of rich, creamy, and satisfying flavours.
Spaghetti aglio e olio
Delight in spaghetti aglio e olio, quite simply, garlic and oil spaghetti. This recipe combines the rich essence of garlic with a subtle kick of chilli flakes, creating a harmonious blend of savoury and slightly spicy notes. Topped with fresh parsley and finely grated cheese, each bite offers a satisfying balance of textures and flavours, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a recipe with plenty of character.
Lemon pasta
Discover the exquisite flavour and luxurious texture of our delicious lemon pasta recipe. It features a zesty blend of fresh lemon, rich cream, and butter, creating a heavenly sauce that perfectly coats the spaghetti strands. Topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this creamy, dreamy dish offers a well-rounded flavour experience that is sure to enchant your taste buds. Whether for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion, lemon pasta promises a refreshing and indulgent dining experience that is easy to prepare and impossible to resist.
Chicken and broccoli pasta
Experience the heartwarming, comforting flavours of our homemade chicken and broccoli pasta. Tender chicken and fresh broccoli enveloped in a rich, cheesy embrace create the perfect pasta dish for intimate gatherings or cosy family dinners. It is infused with the warmth of butter, chilli, and garlic, promising a burst of savoury goodness in every bite. Topped with a generous amount of cheddar and Maasdam cheese, this indulgent pasta serving is a symphony of creamy, velvety flavours that will tantalise your taste buds.
Questions about spaghetti
Dive deeper into the world of spaghetti to bring a slice of Italy into your kitchen. Read some of the most frequently asked questions about the long strands of pasta below.
What is spaghetti made of?
Spaghetti is traditionally made from durum wheat semolina. This special type of flour gives spaghetti its firm texture and delightful bite when cooked al dente. The flour is mixed with water to form a pliable paste, which is then extruded through a specialised mould that shapes it into long, slender strands. The result is a versatile pasta in long cylindrically shaped strands that beautifully absorb and complement a myriad of sauces.
Is spaghetti a type of pasta?
Yes, spaghetti is a cherished member of the extensive pasta family. Originating from Italy, it is characterised by its long, thin, cylindrical shape. Spaghetti, with its ability to twirl elegantly around a fork, is a particularly beloved pasta shape known for its compatibility with a diverse array of sauces.
Is spaghetti vegetarian?
Spaghetti, in its purest form, is indeed vegetarian. The classic recipe involves just two ingredients: durum wheat semolina and water, making it an ideal choice for those following a vegetarian lifestyle.
Can you freeze cooked spaghetti?
Yes, you can freeze cooked spaghetti, but we recommend boiling it fresh every time for the best, most authentic flavour. If you are adamant about freezing it, it is best to freeze the spaghetti slightly undercooked, as it will continue to cook when reheated. Tossing the strands lightly in olive oil before freezing helps prevent clumping. Once cooled, portion the spaghetti into airtight containers or freezer bags. When you are ready to enjoy it, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, paired with your favourite sauce.
Can you reheat spaghetti?
We recommend making spaghetti fresh, but if you have leftovers, they are easy to reheat. For the best results, reheat spaghetti on the stove by adding a splash of water or your chosen sauce to the pan, then gently warming it over medium heat while stirring occasionally. Alternatively, the microwave provides a convenient option; place the spaghetti in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat on medium power in one-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Can you cook spaghetti in a microwave?
Although unconventional, cooking spaghetti in a microwave is indeed possible. Start by breaking the spaghetti in half and placing it in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover the pasta with water, ensuring it is fully submerged. Microwave on high power in three-minute intervals, stirring in between, until the pasta reaches your desired level of doneness, usually within 9-12 minutes. Drain any excess water and combine it with your preferred sauce. Cooking spaghetti in the microwave is useful for quick meals, but you might not get the al dente texture achieved through traditional stovetop cooking.
Can you cook spaghetti in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook spaghetti in a slow cooker. It works almost like a one-pot meal with spaghetti and sauce being cooked together. Begin by preparing your sauce directly in the slow cooker, allowing the rich flavours to meld together as they simmer. When the sauce is nearly ready, add uncooked spaghetti, ensuring it is well submerged in the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook for 30-45 minutes or until the pasta reaches your preferred tenderness.