Homemade Savory Spaghetti Recipe: Family Favorite Pasta

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet spectacular solutions, and this spaghetti with robust garlic herb sauce hits all the right notes.

Packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, our savory spaghetti delight recipe delivers a comforting meal in under 30 minutes.

Fresh herbs dance alongside perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of tastes that tantalize the palate.

Parmesan cheese adds a salty depth that makes every bite irresistible.

Crushed red pepper flakes bring a subtle warmth that awakens the senses.

The combination of ingredients transforms an ordinary pasta dish into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Dive into this delectable recipe and let your taste buds celebrate a truly memorable meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 635 kcal

Servings: 5

Savory Spaghetti Ingredient Breakdown

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta that provides a perfect canvas for absorbing the rich cream sauce, choose high-quality durum wheat pasta for best texture and flavor.

• Pancetta, Egg Yolks: Pancetta adds a crispy, salty punch that elevates the dish's depth, selecting Italian-style cured pork for authentic taste; egg yolks create silky smoothness and help thicken the sauce naturally.

• Half and Half, Parmesan Cheese, Basil, Black Pepper: Half and half delivers luxurious creaminess for a velvety sauce texture; Parmesan contributes nutty, salty complexity and helps bind the sauce; fresh basil introduces bright, herbal notes that cut through richness; freshly ground black pepper adds subtle warmth and complexity.

Gear You’ll Use for Classic Spaghetti Night

• Large pot: Essential for boiling spaghetti with plenty of water.
• Skillet: Perfect for sautéing pancetta and creating creamy sauce.
• Slotted spoon: Helps remove crispy pancetta from the skillet.
• Whisk: Crucial for smoothly blending egg yolks and creating silky sauce.
• Cheese grater: Needed to freshly grate Parmesan cheese.
• Cutting board: For chopping basil and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Used to chop pancetta and basil.
• Colander: Drains cooked spaghetti quickly and efficiently.
• Mixing bowl: Holds crisped pancetta temporarily.

Quick Steps to a Bold, Flavorful Pasta Dish

• Boiling Water Preparation

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle some salt into the water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. The salty water will give your pasta extra flavor.

• Pasta Cooking

Gently slide the spaghetti into the bubbling water. Let it dance around and cook until it reaches that perfect tender-yet-firm texture. Drain the pasta, keeping it ready for its sauce adventure.

• Pancetta Magic

Heat up a skillet and let the pancetta sizzle and crisp. Watch as it transforms into golden, crunchy bits that will add incredible depth to your dish. Scoop out the pancetta and set it aside.

• Creamy Sauce Creation

In the same skillet, pour in the half and half. Whisk the egg yolks into the creamy liquid, creating a silky base. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, letting it melt and blend smoothly. Add a dash of pepper for an extra kick.

• Final Fusion

Toss the cooked spaghetti and crispy pancetta into the dreamy sauce. Mix everything together so each strand gets beautifully coated. Sprinkle some fresh basil on top for a burst of herbal freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.

How to Elevate Sauce with Herbs, Wine or Spice

• Ingredient Swap Magic: Replace pancetta with crispy bacon or prosciutto for a different flavor profile that still delivers incredible richness and texture.
• Texture Trick: For extra crunch, toast some breadcrumbs in olive oil and sprinkle them over the final dish to add a delightful crispy element that contrasts with the creamy sauce.
• Herb Garden Boost: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or chives alongside basil to create more complex and layered flavor dimensions in your spaghetti.
• Wine Pairing Wisdom: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce beautifully, enhancing the overall dining experience with perfect subtle undertones.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap pancetta with roasted mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to create a meat-free version that maintains the recipe's delicious creamy essence and satisfying depth of flavor.

Plate Up Spaghetti Like a Pro with Garlic Bread

• Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Transform this spaghetti into a stunning main course for your next sophisticated gathering. Plate the dish on white ceramic platters and sprinkle extra basil for a pop of color.
• Rustic Italian Family-Style Meal: Serve in a large communal bowl at the center of the table, encouraging everyone to help themselves. Pair with crusty garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete dining experience.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Complement the creamy, savory dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay. The wine's acidity will beautifully balance the rich cream sauce and salty pancetta.
• Leftover Lunch Magic: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of extra half and half to restore the creamy texture. Pack in a sealed container for a delightful next-day lunch that tastes just as delicious as the night before.

Keep Pasta Flavorful When Reheating

• Smart Meal Prep: Cook extra spaghetti and sauce for quick weeknight dinners. Store components separately in airtight containers for maximum freshness and easy reheating.
• Refrigerator Strategies: Keep leftovers in sealed containers for up to 3 days. The cream sauce may slightly separate when chilled, so gently reheat over low heat while stirring frequently to restore creamy texture.
• Portion Control Magic: Divide remaining spaghetti into individual meal-sized containers for grab-and-go lunches. These make perfect next-day office or school meals that taste almost as delicious as freshly prepared.
• Freezing Tips: While cream-based sauces can be tricky to freeze, you can store the pancetta and cooked pasta separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently to maintain optimal flavor and consistency.

Authentic Spaghetti Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spaghetti lovers discover this classic Italian Spaghetti Delight recipe packed with rich tomato sauce and tender meatballs. Hearty ingredients merge seamlessly, promising a comforting meal perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 oz (170 g) pancetta (chopped)
• 8 oz (226 g) spaghetti (uncooked)
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 ½ cups (150 g) Parmesan cheese (freshly grated, plus more for garnish)
• 2 cups (480 ml) half and half
• 1 tsp (5 g) pepper (freshly ground)
• 4 tbsps (20 g) basil (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Boiling Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil over high heat. Cook spaghetti until perfectly al dente, following package instructions precisely.
2. Pancetta Transformation: In a spacious skillet, render chopped pancetta over medium-low heat until golden and crisp, approximately 8 minutes. Transfer the crisped pancetta to a separate dish, reserving the flavorful drippings.
3. Creamy Sauce Creation: Utilize the same skillet, pour half and half, and bring to a gentle simmer. Carefully whisk egg yolks into the warming liquid to create a smooth base, preventing any potential curdling.
4. Cheese Integration: Fold freshly grated Parmesan into the creamy mixture, creating a luxurious sauce. Season with freshly ground black pepper, carefully balancing the salt profile considering the cheese’s natural saltiness.
5. Final Assembly: Combine the cooked spaghetti and crispy pancetta within the velvety sauce, using delicate tossing motions to ensure complete and even coating. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil throughout for an aromatic finish.
6. Plating and Serving: Immediately transfer to warm plates, adding an optional final dusting of Parmesan. Serve promptly to maintain the sauce’s silky, decadent texture and optimal temperature.

Notes

• Master Pasta Texture: Cook spaghetti just until al dente for the perfect bite and prevent mushiness.
• Pancetta Precision: Render fat slowly to achieve crispy golden edges without burning the meat.
• Sauce Salvation: Whisk egg yolks carefully into warm cream to prevent scrambling and ensure smooth consistency.
• Cheese Choreography: Add Parmesan gradually and taste repeatedly to balance saltiness and prevent over-seasoning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 635
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 790 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 185 mg