Restaurant-Style Flair
Instead of serving spaghetti in a bowl, sizzling spaghetti is placed on a preheated cast iron plate. The sauce and cheese bubble dramatically, creating a smoky, aromatic experience.
Why It’s Special
- Adds theater to the dining table.
- Keeps pasta hot longer.
- Melts cheese into gooey perfection.
Sizzling Spaghetti
Sizzling Spaghetti is a quick, crowd-pleasing Italian classic: al dente pasta tossed in a garlicky tomato-basil sauce and finished with parmesan. Ready in 25 minutes, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights—cook it tonight and enjoy restaurant flavor at home!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes or passata
1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning or oregano
1/4 cup (60 ml) pasta cooking water (reserve)
1/2 cup (45 g) freshly grated parmesan, plus more to serve
1/2 cup fresh basil, torn
1 tbsp butter (optional, for silky finish)
Instructions
Boil pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook spaghetti to al dente per package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain.
Sizzle aromatics: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown).
Make the sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer 6–8 minutes until slightly thickened.
Finish & toss: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss over medium heat 1–2 minutes until glossy and well coated. Stir in butter (if using), half the parmesan, and half the basil.
Serve: Plate hot. Top with remaining parmesan and basil. Crack on extra black pepper to taste.
Notes
Salt your water like the sea: This seasons the pasta from the inside and boosts overall flavor.
Glossy restaurant finish: That splash of starchy pasta water helps the sauce cling perfectly.
Balance the acidity: A pinch of sugar (or a knob of butter) rounds out canned tomatoes.
Customize it: Add sautéed mushrooms, olives, or a handful of baby spinach in Step 3.
Protein options: Fold in cooked meatballs, Italian sausage, or grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
Make it spicy: Increase red pepper flakes to taste.
Vegan swap: Use vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast and skip the butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Stovetop, Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients for Sizzling Spaghetti
For the Pasta
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti pasta | 12 oz (340 g) |
| Salt (for boiling) | 1 tbsp |
For the Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 3 |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Tomato sauce | 2 cups |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
| Ground beef or sausage | 1 lb (450 g) |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Red pepper flakes | ½ tsp (optional) |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
For Topping
- Mozzarella cheese – 2 cups shredded
- Parmesan cheese – ½ cup grated
- Fresh basil – for garnish
For Serving
- Preheated cast iron plate (or sizzling platter)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
- Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a skillet.
- Add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in ground beef or sausage, cook until browned.
- Add tomato sauce, paste, and spices. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Toss cooked spaghetti into sauce until evenly coated.
Step 4: Preheat the Sizzling Plate
- Place a cast iron plate over high heat for 5–7 minutes.
- Carefully brush with a little oil to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Assemble the Sizzling Spaghetti
- Place saucy pasta on hot plate.
- Top generously with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Watch as cheese melts and sizzles dramatically.
Step 6: Serve Hot
- Garnish with fresh basil.
- Serve immediately while sizzling.
Tips for the Perfect Sizzling Spaghetti
Safety First
Always handle sizzling plates with thick oven mitts.
Use a Thick Sauce
Thicker sauces cling better to pasta and won’t splatter as much.
Cheese is Key
Mozzarella melts perfectly; add Parmesan for depth of flavor.
Variations
Creamy Sizzling Spaghetti
Add heavy cream to the sauce for a rich, velvety texture.
Seafood Sizzling Spaghetti
Swap beef for shrimp, clams, or mussels.
Vegetarian Sizzling Spaghetti
Use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers instead of meat.
Spicy Sizzling Spaghetti
Increase red pepper flakes or add chili oil.
Nutritional Benefits
- Tomatoes: Packed with lycopene and vitamin C.
- Garlic & Onions: Boost immune system and heart health.
- Spinach, mushrooms, or veggies (if added): Increase fiber and antioxidants.
While sizzling spaghetti is indulgent with cheese, adding vegetables can balance nutrition.
Serving Ideas
With Sides
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Chicken Street Tacos Recipe
Beverage Pairings
- Red wine (Chianti, Merlot)
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Classic soda for a casual meal
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze cooked spaghetti with sauce (without cheese topping) for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet or oven-safe dish. Add fresh cheese when serving again.
FAQs – Sizzling Spaghetti
PAA1: Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes, penne or fettuccine also work well.
PAA2: Do I need a sizzling plate?
Not strictly. A cast iron skillet or oven-safe dish preheated in the oven can work too.
PAA3: Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely—just skip the meat and load up on veggies.
PAA4: Is it spicy?
Not unless you add chili flakes—adjust spice to your taste.
PAA5: Can I make it ahead?
Yes, prep pasta and sauce in advance; reheat and assemble on sizzling plate just before serving.
PAA6: How do I keep it sizzling longer?
Serve immediately on a hot plate and use a heatproof tray under the skillet.
Conclusion
Sizzling Spaghetti brings excitement, flavor, and comfort to the dinner table. With its bubbling cheese, rich sauce, and dramatic presentation, it’s a dish that feels both indulgent and family-friendly. Perfect for weeknights, parties, or anytime you want to elevate your pasta game.