Spaghetti

Spaghetti is a long, thin, cylindrical pasta of Italian origin. It is available year-round and is a staple in cuisines around the world, particularly in Italian dishes. Spaghetti is often served with tomato sauce, meat, vegetables, or seafood. It can be used in a variety of dishes, from traditional spaghetti Bolognese to spaghetti carbonara or aglio e olio (garlic and oil).

Spaghetti Synonyms

Spaghetto
Little Strings

Spaghetti Substitutes

Linguine

Different Forms/Types of Spaghetti

Dried

This is the most common form of spaghetti, found in every grocery store. It is made from durum wheat semolina and water, and is dried to increase its shelf life.

Fresh

Fresh spaghetti is made from the same ingredients as dried, but it is not dried out. It has a softer texture and a shorter cooking time than dried spaghetti.

Gluten-Free

Gluten-free spaghetti is made from alternative grains like rice, corn, or quinoa, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Whole Wheat

Whole wheat spaghetti is made from whole grain durum wheat flour. It has a nuttier flavor and is higher in fiber than regular spaghetti.

How to Choose Spaghetti

When purchasing dried spaghetti, look for a brand that uses 100% durum wheat semolina for the best quality. The pasta should be a golden yellow color. For fresh spaghetti, it should be soft but not sticky, and should have a uniform color. Whole wheat spaghetti should be made from 100% whole grain durum wheat. For gluten-free spaghetti, check the ingredients to ensure it does not contain any hidden sources of gluten.

Cooking/Prep Tips for Spaghetti

Spaghetti is a versatile pasta that can be used in a variety of dishes. The key to cooking spaghetti is to ensure it is cooked al dente, or 'to the tooth', which means it should be firm when bitten. To achieve this, boil the spaghetti in salted water for approximately 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain immediately to stop the cooking process. Avoid rinsing the spaghetti as this removes the starchy layer that helps sauces adhere to the pasta. For dishes that require the pasta to be cooked in the sauce, undercook the spaghetti by 2-3 minutes before adding it to the sauce to finish cooking.

Shelf Life of Spaghetti

Dried spaghetti should be stored in a cool, dry place in its original packaging. Once opened, it can be stored in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing moisture and odors. Fresh spaghetti should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a few days. Whole wheat and gluten-free spaghetti should be stored in the same way as regular dried spaghetti. Cooked spaghetti should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and used within 3-5 days.

Recommended Brands for Spaghetti

dried spaghetti: Barilla

fresh spaghetti: Buitoni

gluten-free spaghetti: Barilla

whole wheat spaghetti: De Cecco

Cooking Techniques for Spaghetti

Baking: Spaghetti can also be baked in the oven, often in a casserole or pasta bake. The pasta is typically undercooked before being mixed with sauce and other ingredients, then baked until golden and bubbly.

Boiling: This is the most common method of cooking spaghetti. The pasta is added to a large pot of boiling, salted water and cooked until al dente. The pasta water can be reserved and added to sauces to help them emulsify and cling to the pasta.

Pan Frying: For a unique twist, cooked spaghetti can be pan-fried to create a crispy texture. This is often done in dishes like spaghetti pie or frittata.