Description
Spaghetti all’Assassina is a fiery and flavorful Italian pasta dish from Bari that features spaghetti directly toasted and cooked in a spicy tomato broth, resulting in a unique crispy texture with bold, charred notes. This stovetop recipe combines garlic, red pepper flakes, tomato passata, and vegetable broth to create a rich, spicy sauce coating tender pasta, garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dry spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté garlic and spices: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.
- Add spaghetti and liquids: Place the dry spaghetti directly in the skillet without boiling it first. Pour in about half of the vegetable broth mixed with the tomato passata.
- Cook and toast pasta: Allow the pasta to cook in the skillet, letting the liquid reduce and the spaghetti lightly toast against the pan bottom.
- Add remaining broth and tomatoes: As the liquid is absorbed, gradually add the remaining broth and tomatoes, turning the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Create crispy texture: Allow parts of the spaghetti to caramelize slightly on the pan bottom to develop the signature crispy edges.
- Finish cooking: Continue cooking for 12 to 15 minutes until the pasta is tender and coated in a thick, spicy tomato sauce.
- Season and garnish: Season with salt, black pepper, and optionally sugar to balance acidity. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- This traditional dish from Bari in southern Italy is prized for its bold flavor and slightly charred pasta edges.
- Use a wide skillet to ensure the spaghetti can toast evenly without crowding.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Do not pre-boil the pasta to achieve the unique toasted texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
