Introduction

There are many, many different spaghetti recipes. Some include homemade sauces, ground meat, and vegetables [2]. Most are fairly simple to follow and can be dressed up with multiple spices or made very simply [1], [2]. For example, when spaghetti was first introduced to Italian cuisine, it was most likely made with butter and cheese. Today, it is common in Italian cuisine to include shellfish like mussels in their spaghetti with no cheese. In comparison, Americans tend to go for the classic tomato sauce with meatballs or a meat-based sauce [1]. Spaghetti has become so popular that they are using this type of pasta in tests to create more eco-friendly ways of cooking. They hope to reduce carbon footprint and use less water while getting great-tasting pasta and keeping its distinct properties. [3]. 

While there are many ways to dress up spaghetti, I prefer the simple versions. My family and I would simply have spaghetti noodles and a meat-based sauce at home, but I also enjoy just a simple tomato sauce. Personally, adding heaps of grated Parmesan to my plate is the best way to enjoy this dish. Sometimes we would include vegetables and garlic bread to round out the dish. This is my take, but that is the nice thing about spaghetti; there are multiple ways this meal can be dressed and used in a lunch or dinner setting. Additionally, I have found it re-heats quite nicely compared to other noodle dishes. 

Spaghetti is a nice meal to return home to as it’s enjoyable alone and with friends. Below is a simple recipe to make spaghetti with ingredients found at the Campus Cupboard. As mentioned, there are plenty of other recipes, [2] for example, that can easily be searched up if mine does not satisfy your palate. Happy cooking!

Ingredients

• 1 box of pasta
  • Linguine, but it can be any kind
• 1 can of pasta sauce
  • Choose the flavor you want
• 1 cup of veggies
  • Frozen, canned, or fresh
• 1-2 tbsp of butter
• Salt

Utensils Needed

• Pots
• Strainer
• Microwavable dish
• Bowl or plate
• Fork or spoon
• Butter Knife
• Optional
  • Cutting board, knife, and pan for fresh veggies

Steps

1. Fill your pot about half to a third full with water
   1. Salt your water as it adds flavor
2. Place it on a burner at medium-high heat (5-6)
3. Once water is boiling, pour in noodles and lower the temperature to medium (4-5)
   1. Stir your noodles occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom
4. While your noodles cook and soften, heat your veggies
   1. If frozen or in a can, follow the directions on the package
   2. If fresh, place them in a pan with butter and a pinch of salt for flavor
      1. Cook for 2-3 minutes depending on size
5. Once your noodles are softened, drain the water using the strainer
6. Once completely drained, place noodles and 1-2 tbsp of butter into the pot and stir together
7. In a separate pot, heat up pasta sauce on medium till boiling
8. Place all your ingredients in your dish and enjoy!
   1. Extra can be stored for later

Works Cited

[1]

G. L. McNamee, “Spaghetti | Description & Facts | Britannica,”     www.britannica.com, Nov. 16, 2023. https://www.britannica.com/topic/spaghetti

[2]

J. Gallagher and A. Gallagher, “Easy Weeknight Spaghetti with Meat Sauce,” Inspired Taste – Easy Recipes for Home Cooks, 2020. https://www.inspiredtaste.net/38940/spaghetti-with-meat-sauce-recipe/

[3]

A. Cimini, M. Cibelli, A. R. Taddei, and M. Moresi, “Effect of cooking temperature on cooked pasta quality and sustainability,” Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, vol. 101, no. 12, pp. 4946–4958, Feb. 2021, doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.11138.

[4]

pa Pisc, Spaghetti al Pomodoro. 2008. [Photograph]. Available: https://live.staticflickr.com/2337/2400492179_1b561f950f_b.jpg