What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? A hearty serving of homemade spaghetti topped with parmesan cheese is my go-to quick and easy solution, especially when I use a simple yet flavorful tomato sauce, give it a try and save this idea for a family favorite meal that everyone will love, pin for later

two plates filled with spaghetti and topped with parmesan cheese

Introduction

Imagine a dish so simple, yet so satisfying, that it becomes a staple in your household. Two plates filled with spaghetti and topped with parmesan cheese is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that combines the comfort of a classic Italian dish with the ease of preparation that fits perfectly into our busy lives. This recipe is all about embracing the beauty of everyday ingredients and turning them into something truly special. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s a dish that will leave you and your loved ones wanting more. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of spaghetti, parmesan cheese, and your choice of sauce (whether it’s a classic tomato sauce, a creamy pesto, or a hearty meat sauce) creates a flavor profile that is both balanced and accessible. The ingredients are easy to find in most supermarkets, making this dish a practical choice for anyone.
• Ease of preparation: One of the standout features of this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. Cooking spaghetti is a straightforward process, and the toppings can be as simple or as complex as you like, allowing you to customize the dish to your taste and skill level.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the presentation of two plates filled with spaghetti and topped with parmesan cheese can be quite impressive, especially if you add some fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese on top. It’s a dish that looks like it took hours to prepare, but in reality, it can be ready in under 30 minutes.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this dish are spaghetti, parmesan cheese, and your choice of sauce. The spaghetti provides the base of the dish, while the parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the pasta perfectly. For the sauce, you can use a store-bought option or make your own. Some popular choices include tomato sauce, pesto, and carbonara sauce. Additionally, you may want to have some olive oil, salt, and pepper on hand to add some extra flavor to your dish. If you’re looking for substitutions, you could use other types of pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine, and different types of cheese, like mozzarella or ricotta, though parmesan remains a classic choice for its distinctive flavor.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. While waiting for the water to boil, you can start preparing your sauce. If using a store-bought sauce, follow the heating instructions on the package. If making your own, start by heating some olive oil in a pan and then add your ingredients of choice (e.g., garlic, onions, ground beef) and cook until the sauce is ready.
2. Step 2: Once the water is boiling, add your spaghetti and cook until it’s al dente. This should take around 8-10 minutes, depending on the package instructions. While the spaghetti is cooking, you can finish preparing your sauce and grate your parmesan cheese.
3. Step 3: Drain the spaghetti and add it to your sauce. Toss the spaghetti in the sauce to coat it evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a bit of the pasta water to thin it out.
4. Step 4: Divide the spaghetti between two plates and top each plate with parmesan cheese. You can also add some fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese on top for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Handy Tips

• One of the most important things to keep in mind when making spaghetti is to not overcook it. Al dente pasta has a better texture and holds onto sauces better than overcooked pasta. Also, be sure to save some of the pasta water before draining the spaghetti, as it can be used to thin out the sauce if needed.

Heat Control

If you’re making your own sauce, heat control is crucial. For a tomato-based sauce, you’ll want to cook it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and reduced slightly. This should take around 20-30 minutes. For a cream-based sauce, you’ll want to cook it over low heat, whisking constantly, until the sauce has thickened and heated through. This should take around 5-10 minutes. Remember, the key to a good sauce is to cook it slowly and patiently, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the parmesan cheese, which adds a nice textural element to the soft spaghetti. If you want to add some extra crunch, you could top the spaghetti with some toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts. However, be careful not to overdo it, as too much crunch can overpower the other flavors in the dish.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• One pro kitchen trick for making spaghetti is to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pasta water before cooking the spaghetti. This helps to prevent the spaghetti from sticking together and makes it easier to toss with the sauce. Another trick is to use a mixture of parmesan and mozzarella cheese for the topping, as the mozzarella adds a creamy element to the dish.

Storage Tips

• If you have leftover spaghetti, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the spaghetti for 30-60 seconds or heat it up in a pan with some olive oil. You can also freeze the spaghetti for up to 2 months, though it’s best to freeze it without the sauce and then add the sauce when you’re ready to eat it.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give two plates of spaghetti and parmesan cheese as a gift, you could package it in a decorative basket or container with some garlic bread and a green salad on the side. Alternatively, you could package the spaghetti and sauce separately and include a recipe card with instructions on how to prepare the dish. This makes for a thoughtful and unique gift that the recipient can enjoy at their leisure.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: You could add some red pepper flakes to give the dish a spicy kick, or some dried basil and oregano for an Italian-inspired flavor.
• Creative toppings: Some creative topping ideas include grilled chicken or shrimp, roasted vegetables, or a fried egg. You could also add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: If you want to mix things up, you could try using different types of pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine, or different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta. You could also add some other ingredients to the sauce, such as ground beef or pork, for added flavor and texture.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the spaghetti is too sticky or clumpy, you can try adding some olive oil to the pasta water or tossing the spaghetti with some olive oil after it’s cooked. If the sauce is too thick, you can try thinning it out with some pasta water or broth.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have parmesan cheese, you could try using mozzarella or ricotta instead. If you don’t have spaghetti, you could try using linguine or fettuccine.
• Over/undercooking signs: If the spaghetti is overcooked, it will be mushy and unappetizing. If it’s undercooked, it will be hard and crunchy. The perfect spaghetti should be al dente, with a bit of bite to it.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the spaghetti and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and reheat when you’re ready to eat it.
• Is it gluten-free? No, traditional spaghetti is not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free spaghetti alternatives made from rice, quinoa, or corn flour.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients and cook the spaghetti and sauce in larger batches.

Conclusion

In conclusion, two plates filled with spaghetti and topped with parmesan cheese is a dish that is both easy to make and delicious to eat. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the comfort and satisfaction of a classic Italian dish!