Crispy, bold, and intensely savory, this spaghetti cooks directly in sauce for a dramatic, deeply flavorful finish.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 10 min
Cook: 30 min
Total: 40 min
Ingredients
12 oz dry spaghetti
3 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup water
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat, then add the dry spaghetti, letting it toast lightly so it picks up color and nutty flavor.
Add the garlic slices and cook briefly until fragrant, making sure they soften without browning too much.
Pour in the tomato sauce and water carefully, spreading the liquid around the pan so the pasta cooks evenly as it simmers.
Let the spaghetti cook uncovered, turning occasionally, allowing parts of the pasta to stick slightly to the pan and create crisp edges.
Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and clings tightly to the pasta, with some strands caramelized and others tender.
Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, then rest briefly before serving so the flavors settle.
Nutrition Facts (approx)
Calories: 420 | Protein: 12g | Carbs: 62g | Fat: 14g
Quick Facts
• one-pan pasta
• bold savory flavor
• cold weather comfort
• pantry staples
• dramatic texture
Tips
- Use a wide pan so the pasta can spread out and crisp instead of steaming.
- Resist stirring constantly, letting the spaghetti sit creates the signature caramelized edges.
- Add water gradually if needed so the pasta cooks through without thinning the sauce.
Variations
Lean into heat by increasing the red pepper flakes slightly. It turns each bite bolder and brings out the smoky depth of the sauce. If that kind of warmth is your thing, the Double Bean and Roasted Pepper Chili brings the same kind of kick in a totally different format.
Change the texture by breaking the spaghetti in half before cooking. It helps more pieces caramelize and crisp against the pan. For another dish built around contrast and golden edges, try the Quick Alpine Potato and Cheese Bake which brings creamy richness with toasted corners.
Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and cracked black pepper for a clean, glossy look that sharpens the sauce. For a main dish just as simple and satisfying, the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole offers bold flavor in a no-fuss format.