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Sizzling Spaghetti

By: Author Jenna Margot

Posted on

Sizzling Spaghetti

Hey y'all! If you love bold flavors and crave a dish that brings everyone to the table, this Sizzling Spaghetti is just what you need. With its rich, savory sauce, perfectly cooked noodles, and a touch of spicy kick, it’s the ideal recipe for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy gatherings. Ready to make your kitchen sizzle with excitement? Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Sizzling Spaghetti

  • Quick and easy to make in under 40 minutes.
  • Packed with robust, crowd-pleasing flavors.
  • Perfect for family meals or entertaining friends.
  • Customizable with your favorite proteins or veggies.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day!

Sizzling Spaghetti Ingredients List

  • 12 oz (340 g) dried spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz/410 g) diced tomatoes
  • ½ cup (120 ml) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Directions: How to Make Sizzling Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
  2. Drain and toss lightly with a drizzle of olive oil. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sizzling Sauce

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well.
  5. Season with crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Combine and Sizzle

  1. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss until pasta is evenly coated and heated through, 2-3 minutes.
  2. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese, tossing to combine.
  3. Transfer to a warm serving platter. Top with fresh basil and extra cheese. Serve immediately for that signature sizzle!
Sizzling Spaghetti

Sizzling Spaghetti Notes

  • For extra depth, deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine after browning the meat (learn more here).
  • To make this recipe gluten-free, use your favorite certified gluten-free pasta (read about gluten-free diets here).
  • Let the sauce simmer longer for deeper flavor, up to 30 minutes if you have time.

Variations: Sizzling Spaghetti Twists

  • Vegetarian Sizzling Spaghetti: Swap meat for sautéed mushrooms and zucchini.
  • Spicy Seafood Sizzling Spaghetti: Add cooked shrimp and a pinch more chili flakes.
  • Cheesy Baked Sizzling Spaghetti: Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil until bubbly.

Required Equipment for Sizzling Spaghetti

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Chef’s knife and cutting board

Storage Instructions: Keeping Your Sizzling Spaghetti Fresh

  • Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of water or tomato sauce to keep it moist.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serving Recommendations: What to Pair with Sizzling Spaghetti

  • Serve with a crisp green salad and tangy vinaigrette.
  • Pair with garlic bread or warm, crusty baguette for dipping.
  • Enjoy with a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon.

Pro Tips for Perfect Sizzling Spaghetti

  • Always salt your pasta water generously—it enhances the flavor of the noodles (find out why here).
  • Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining; use it to help the sauce cling to the spaghetti.
  • Let the spaghetti sizzle in the sauce for those last few minutes for a richer, more integrated flavor.

Sizzling Spaghetti FAQ

Can I use whole wheat or alternative pasta for Sizzling Spaghetti?
Absolutely! Whole wheat, chickpea, or lentil spaghetti all work great—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How spicy is Sizzling Spaghetti?
It's got a gentle kick from the red pepper flakes, but you can make it milder or spicier to suit your taste.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and use a larger skillet or pot for the sauce.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

★★★★★ 5.00 from 125 ratings

Sizzling Spaghetti

yield: 4 servings
prep: 15 mins
cook: 20 mins
total: 35 mins
Sizzling Spaghetti is a vibrant Italian-inspired dish featuring perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a zesty tomato sauce with sautéed vegetables and a hint of spice. Ideal for a quick and flavorful dinner.
Sizzling Spaghetti

Ingredients

  • 400g dried spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 400g canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 100g grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. 2
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
  3. 3
    Add the sliced red bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
  4. 4
    Stir in the canned diced tomatoes and red chili flakes. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. 5
    Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta with the sizzling sauce. Cook for 2 more minutes, stirring gently.
  6. 6
    Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420cal
Protein: 14 gg
Fat: 12 gg
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Potassium: 0mg
Total Carbs: 65 gg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Net Carbs: 0g
Vitamin A: 0
Vitamin C: 0mg
Calcium: 0mg
Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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