Spicy Risotto-Style Spaghetti: A Bold and Fiery First Course
Experience the bold and fiery flavors of Spicy Risotto-Style Spaghetti, a traditional Italian first course with a unique twist. This dish, known in Italian as “Spaghetti all’Assassina,” is a must-try for those who love dishes that pack a punch. Perfectly cooked spaghetti is infused with the essence of garlic, olive oil, and chili, then crisped to perfection for a smoky, caramelized finish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 320g |
| Tomato Sauce (pre-cooked) | 300g |
| Garlic Clove | 1 |
| Dried Chili Pepper | 1 |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 25g |
| Water | As needed |
| Fresh Basil Leaves | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 kcal |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 65g |
| Fats | 10g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Vitamin C | 10% RDI |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Tomato Sauce
Begin by reheating your pre-made tomato sauce. This sauce should be rich and flavorful, ideally prepared with a sautéed onion base and simmered tomato puree, cooked for 30–40 minutes to develop a deep flavor. Warm the sauce gently in a small saucepan while you prepare the other ingredients. -
Sauté the Garlic
In a large, flat-bottomed skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the whole garlic clove and let it sizzle for about 2 minutes to infuse the oil with its aromatic flavor. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should turn lightly golden. -
Toast the Spaghetti
Add the uncooked spaghetti directly to the skillet. Toss it gently in the infused olive oil for about a minute. The idea is to coat the spaghetti in the oil and allow it to soften slightly before adding liquid. -
Add Heat with Chili
Crumble the dried chili pepper into the pan. Stir well to distribute the heat evenly. If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add an extra chili. -
Simmer Like Risotto
Start adding hot water to the skillet a little at a time, just enough to cover the bottom of the pan. Stir frequently, as if you were cooking risotto. Allow the spaghetti to absorb the liquid before adding more water. Repeat this process, alternating with ladles of the warm tomato sauce, until the spaghetti is cooked al dente. -
Caramelize for Depth
Once the spaghetti is fully cooked, remove the garlic clove from the pan. Increase the heat to high and let the bottom layer of spaghetti crisp up slightly. This step creates a smoky, caramelized flavor and gives the dish its signature touch. -
Season and Garnish
Taste the spaghetti and adjust the seasoning with salt if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of herbal freshness.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is best enjoyed piping hot, straight from the skillet. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a glass of bold red wine, such as a Primitivo or Nero d’Avola, to complement the spicy, smoky flavors.
Pro Tip: For an extra layer of indulgence, sprinkle some grated Pecorino Romano cheese on top before serving.
Enjoy your culinary adventure with this bold and daring Italian masterpiece!
