🌟 New recipes every week — Follow us on Pinterest for daily inspiration!
Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon
Fresh spaghetti ingredients with ripe tomatoes, garlic, basil, and seasonings ready to cook a classic Italian pasta

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

Scale

  • 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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).

  3. Make the sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer 6–8 minutes until slightly thickened.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  • Author: SOFIA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Stovetop, Skillet
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://www.fastzestyrecipes.com/sizzling-spaghetti/