The Forktionary Angle
"The word "spaghetti" is the plural form of the Italian word "spaghetto", which is a diminutive of "spago", meaning "thin string" or "twine"."
Definition
A long, thin, cylindrical pasta, typically made from durum wheat semolina. It is a staple of traditional Italian cuisine, commonly served with sauces.
Flavor Profile
The primary flavor notes for Spaghetti are:
Chef’s Secret
Always finish cooking spaghetti for the last minute or two directly in the pan with its sauce, adding a splash of pasta water. This emulsifies the sauce and makes it cling beautifully.
Best Substitutes
Linguine
bucatini
fettuccine
Buying Guide
Look for brands using 100% durum wheat semolina for best texture. Check cook times; bronze-die pasta has a rougher texture for better sauce adhesion.