Spaghetti lends itself to many flavors.
Spaghetti is a form of pasta shaped like a long, thin string and the spices you add depend on the sauce and accompaniments served with it. Spaghetti lends itself well to many different sauces and flavors and its versatility makes it a good match with various of herbs and spices, from traditional to unusual.
Tomato-based Dishes
Perhaps the most popular way to serve spaghetti is with a tomato-based sauce, such as marinara. Traditionalists use only basil, salt and pepper to flavor their basic sauce, but you can add more punch by adding dried or fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, oregano or marjoram. To make the sauce spicy or "arrabbiata" -- Italian for angry -- add crushed red pepper flakes. For an unusual flavor boost, add cinnamon.
Oil-based Dishes
Spaghetti can be prepared simply by tossing the cooked noodles in olive oil and garlic, a traditional dish called spaghetti aglio olio. To add more flavor, add red pepper flakes and crushed black pepper, as well as dried or fresh Italian herbs in any combination.
Cream-based Dishes
Cream sauces act as a blank canvas upon which herb and spice flavors are showcased. While spice and herb combinations can be used, a cream sauce is the ideal way to amplify one specific flavor. Try paprika, mustard seeds or saffron and see how well the flavor shines.
Other Dishes
Throughout Italy and the rest of the world you'll find endless variations on spaghetti. Seafood is a common pairing and can be served with hot spices such as cayenne and red pepper, or lighter and fresher herbs and spices, such as dill and parsley. Spaghetti carbonara, a popular dish with a silky egg-based sauce, is traditionally served with a hearty helping of freshly cracked black pepper. Meat-based sauces, such as ragu Bolognese, usually only contain salt and pepper but can benefit from the added flavor of spices such as cinnamon and red pepper, or dried herbs such as thyme and oregano.
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