Pasta | Vegetarian Vegan Low Fat

Spaghetti

Triticum aestivum Allergens: Wheat
spaghetti

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Poaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Italian
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Durum Wheat Semolina

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

Long, thin, cylindrical pasta, a staple of Italian cuisine, typically served with various sauces.

Sensory Profile

TasteMild, Starchy, Slightly nutty
TextureFirm, Chewy (al dente), Smooth
AromaMild, Bready
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Optimal Cook Temperature

Rolling boil

Recommended Serving (dry)

80-100g per person

Standard Length

~25-30 cm (10-12 inches)

Nutrition Facts

Per 140g
Calories158 kcal
Total Fat0.9g
Saturated Fat0.2g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Protein5.8g
Total Carbohydrate31g
Dietary Fiber1.8g
Total Sugars0.7g
Calcium10mg
Iron1.1mg
Potassium78mg

Chef’s Secret

Always finish cooking pasta for the last minute or two directly in the sauce to allow it to absorb flavors and achieve perfect 'al dente' texture.

Substitutions

Best Match

Linguine

1:1

Very similar long pasta, slightly flatter, ideal for sauces with seafood or pesto.

Bucatini

1:1

Thicker, hollow spaghetti, good for absorbing sauces internally.

Fettuccine

1:1

Wider, flat pasta, better for creamy or rich sauces like Alfredo.

Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)

1:1 (by volume)

Gluten-free, low-carb alternative, won't hold up to heavy sauces, different texture.

Buying Guide

Choose durum wheat semolina for best quality. Look for bronze-die extruded pasta for a rougher texture that holds sauce better.

Flavor Pairings

Marinara sauce bolognese carbonara pesto aglio e olio meatballs.

Recipes Using Spaghetti

Italian Easy Dietary Occasion

Aglio E Olio Spaghetti With Garlic And Olive Oil

Experience the magic of Italy with this unbelievably quick and easy Aglio e Olio Spaghetti recipe! This stunningly delicious pasta dish, adapted from Australia's Better Homes and Gardens, is a light yet satisfying supper perfect for a weeknight meal. The simple combination of garlic, olive oil, and spaghetti creates a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Serves 2 (easily doubled for 4).

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Preparation 3 Steps Or Less Number Of Servings Served Cold

Aglio Olio E Peperoncino Garlic Oil And Chilli Pasta Sauce

Transform your weeknight dinner with this vibrant and flavorful Aglio e Olio e Peperoncino pasta recipe! Ready in just 25 minutes, this simple yet sensational sauce combines the aromatic punch of garlic and chili with the richness of olive oil for a truly unforgettable pasta experience. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying lunch.

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Shrimp Comfort Food Clams Easy

Amazing Spaghetti With Seafood Sauce

Husband's new favorite! This incredible seafood spaghetti recipe is bursting with flavor. Tender spaghetti tossed in a vibrant tomato sauce with succulent shellfish and a hint of lemon. Easy to follow instructions for a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour.

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Spaghetti Pork Pork Sausage 30 Minutes Or Less

Andouille Sausage Tomato Pasta

Spice up your weeknight with this creamy, spicy Andouille Sausage Tomato Pasta! Made with leftover BBQ sausage (genius!), this quick and easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. The perfect blend of smoky sausage, burstingly fresh tomatoes, and creamy pesto creates a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Get ready for a taste of the south, elevated!

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European Preparation Vegetables Course

Arugula Pesto Con Noci

Transform a bounty of peppery arugula (rocket) into a vibrant, nutty pesto! This addictive recipe, perfected and tweaked for maximum flavor, is a quick and easy way to elevate your pasta night. Toss this delicious pesto with hot spaghetti for a simple yet unforgettable meal. See extra notes below for variations.

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Asian Dietary Number Of Servings Picnic

Asian Noodle Salad Quick And Easy Version

This incredibly quick and easy Asian noodle salad recipe was a total potluck sensation! Inspired by a need for a last-minute dish, this recipe uses readily available ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying noodle salad that disappeared in minutes. Perfect for a crowd, this recipe is easily scalable – I made a massive batch using 1 pound of spaghetti which served 30 people! Get ready for rave reviews – it's that good.

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Salmon Salads Pasta Rice And Grains Time To Make

Asian Salmon Noodle Salad

Transform leftover salmon into a vibrant and flavorful Asian-inspired noodle salad! This quick and easy recipe, by registered dietitian Rosie Schwartz (LCBO.ca), combines perfectly cooked spaghetti with crunchy veggies, tender salmon, and a zesty Asian-inspired dressing. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect light lunch or weeknight dinner.

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30 Minutes Or Less Vegetables Holiday Event Occasion

Asian Sweet And Spicy Noodles Vegetarian

Craving a vibrant and flavorful noodle dish? This Asian Sweet & Spicy Vegetarian Noodles recipe is a game-changer! Quick, easy, and incredibly versatile, it's perfect for a weeknight meal or a make-ahead picnic. The sweet and spicy sauce, featuring honey, rice wine vinegar, and chili garlic sauce, coats perfectly cooked spaghetti, creating a symphony of tastes. Loaded with colorful veggies like baby corn, chestnuts, bell peppers, and peas, this recipe is both satisfying and healthy. Add protein like shrimp or chicken to make it a complete meal. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Vegetables Pasta Italian Main Ingredient

Asparagus Splendida

This stunning pasta dish, perfected over four years and a crowd-pleaser at countless cooking demonstrations, delivers a delightful crunch with every bite of perfectly roasted asparagus. The recipe balances bright, fresh asparagus with creamy, savory pasta for a truly unforgettable meal. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this elegant yet surprisingly easy recipe!

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Main Ingredient Pasta Time To Make Main Ingredient

Awesome Spaghetti Carbonara W Chicken

Craving a creamy, dreamy Chicken Carbonara? This recipe, inspired by Carrabbas, elevates the classic with juicy chicken and fresh peas. Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese is key for that authentic, rich flavor! Get ready for a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour.

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Preparation 30 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient Preparation

Bacon Spaghetti

Craving something different? This Bacon Spaghetti recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers a burst of savory flavor. Crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and perfectly cooked spaghetti combine for a quick weeknight meal that's sure to become a family favorite. Pairs perfectly with garlic bread!

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Pasta Chicken Spaghetti Main Ingredient

Baked Chicken Parmesan Over Pasta

Juicy baked chicken parmesan, perfectly coated in crispy breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection! Served over a bed of delicious spaghetti and drizzled with creamy Alfredo sauce. This easy recipe is a family favorite, ready in under an hour!

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Easy Equipment Main Dish Inexpensive

Baked Chicken With Pasta Sauce

This simple recipe elevates everyday chicken to a flavorful masterpiece! Using your favorite pasta sauce (Prego Traditional works wonderfully!), this baked chicken dish is quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. The perfect weeknight meal for busy families. Easily adaptable to any amount of chicken – simply adjust the sauce accordingly (add 1-1.5 cups of sauce per extra pound of chicken).

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Meat Low Calorie Time To Make Low Cholesterol

Baked Sesame Chicken Noodles

Craving a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dinner? This Baked Sesame Chicken Noodles casserole is your answer! Ready in under an hour, this easy recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and perfectly cooked noodles in a savory sesame sauce. A perfect weeknight meal that's both satisfying and delicious!

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Spaghetti Time To Make 60 Minutes Or Less Spaghetti

Baked Spaghetti

This easy, make-ahead Baked Spaghetti recipe is a crowd-pleaser perfect for potlucks and busy weeknights! Prepare it the day before, pop it in the oven, and enjoy a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful pasta bake. This recipe travels well and tastes even better reheated – a true family favorite.

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Equipment Poultry 60 Minutes Or Less Pasta Rice And Grains

Ro Tel Chicken Spaghetti

This easy Ro-Tel Chicken Spaghetti Casserole recipe is a family reunion favorite! It's packed with flavor and makes a large, crowd-pleasing dish. The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with spicy Ro-Tel and tender chicken is irresistible. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Main Ingredient Stove Top Italian Time To Make

Sausage Scaloppine

This easy Sausage Scaloppine recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or your next party, this dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it on toasted Italian rolls for a delicious sandwich, or over your favorite pasta for a hearty and satisfying meal. The savory sausage, sweet peppers, and onions simmered in a rich sauce create a flavor explosion that your family and friends will adore. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Pasta Rice And Grains Comfort Food 4 Hours Or Less Chicken

Shiitake And Chicken Tetrazzini

A lighter, healthier twist on classic Tetrazzini! This Mayo Clinic Williams-Sonoma inspired recipe boasts a creamy, nonfat sauce, bursting with the earthy flavors of shiitake mushrooms and tender chicken. Get ready for a comforting and delicious dish that's surprisingly good for you!

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