Spaghetti All’Assassina Recipe
Spaghetti All’Assassina is a bold and flavorful Italian pasta dish characterized by its unique cooking technique that involves slowly simmering spaghetti directly in a spicy tomato broth until the noodles become charred and deeply infused with rich, smoky flavors. This method creates a delightful contrast of textures with perfectly al dente pasta and a thick, savory sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 5 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp. tomato paste
- 3 cups tomato passata or puree
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or more as needed)
- 8 oz. spaghetti
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large 10″ to 11″ skillet over medium-low heat, heat the olive oil. Add finely chopped garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring continuously until the garlic begins to soften and the oil takes on a golden hue from the red pepper flakes, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is lightly golden and the tomato paste breaks into small clusters.
- Combine Tomato and Broth: In a medium bowl, mix together the tomato passata and chicken broth. Increase the heat to medium-high on the skillet. Lay the spaghetti flat in the skillet and add 1 cup of the tomato broth mixture. Let it cook undisturbed until the liquid evaporates, forming a thickened paste around and beneath the spaghetti, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
- Unstick and Continue Cooking: Use a metal spatula to gently separate the spaghetti from the skillet as it begins to char on one side. Sprinkle the kosher salt over the pasta, add another 1 cup of tomato broth, and cook while stirring frequently until the liquid nearly evaporates and thickens into a sauce, around 4 to 5 minutes.
- Gradually Add Broth and Finish Cooking: Continue to add the remaining tomato broth gradually, cooking and stirring occasionally. This slow process allows the spaghetti to become perfectly al dente with charred edges, and for the sauce to stick beautifully to the noodles. Total cooking time for this step is about 25 to 30 minutes.
Notes
- Be patient with the slow simmering process; it’s essential for developing the characteristic char and deep flavor.
- Use a metal spatula to carefully unstick the pasta to prevent breaking the spaghetti strands.
- The dish is traditionally spicy; adjust crushed red pepper flakes to taste if necessary.
- Low-sodium broth allows better control over the saltiness of the dish.
- Make sure to use a wide, heavy skillet to allow even cooking and space for the pasta to lay flat.
Keywords: Spaghetti All'Assassina, spicy spaghetti, Italian pasta, tomato broccoli pasta, charred spaghetti, stovetop pasta dish
Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/spaghetti-allassassina-recipe/
