Assassin’s Spaghetti Recipe

Assassin’s Spaghetti is that rare dish that manages to transform a handful of simple ingredients into something extraordinary, offering a toasty, caramelized bite and bold tomato heat with every forkful. If you think you know how pasta should taste, this fiercely-flavored recipe will make you question everything you thought you knew about spaghetti. With its vivid red color, spicy aroma, and irresistibly crispy, chewy texture, Assassin’s Spaghetti is destined to become your new obsession for weeknight comfort or a dinner party centerpiece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how a few pantry staples and fresh touches come together for unforgettable results! Each ingredient plays a vital role, from rich tomato notes to the glorious kick of chili, all marrying together for that signature flavor and texture of Assassin’s Spaghetti.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Start with high-quality olive oil for richness and a subtle fruitiness that carries the sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Adds a deep, concentrated tomato flavor and helps develop those essential caramelized notes.
• Chicken Bone Broth: Infuses savory, umami depth — feel free to swap in vegetable broth for a vegetarian version!
• Pinch of Sugar: Just enough to balance the tomatoes’ sharp acidity, so don’t skip it!
• Salt: Taste as you go; the right amount will amplify every other ingredient.
• Garlic (Minced or Sliced): Fresh garlic adds warmth and a touch of sweetness when sautéed.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes or Calabrian Chili Paste: Choose your level of heat — the fire is part of Assassin’s Spaghetti’s charm.
• Tomato Puree or Passata: Use the best quality you can find, since it’s the heart of your sauce.
• Dry Spaghetti: The star carb — dry works best here, as it caramelizes and absorbs flavor as it cooks.

How to Make Assassin’s Spaghetti

Step 1: Make the Tomato Bone Broth

Start by creating a luxurious tomato bone broth that forms the backbone of flavor for this entire dish. Heat a medium saucepan over medium-low and swirl in a bit of olive oil until shimmering. Smash in the tomato paste and cook it for about a minute, stirring constantly, until it darkens and smells deeply fragrant. This is where you wake up the paste’s hidden sweetness! Pour in your chicken bone broth, sprinkle in a pinch of sugar, and add salt to taste. Keep this simmering gently nearby — you’ll use it in layers to flavor and hydrate your pasta as it cooks.

Step 2: Sizzle the Garlic and Chili

Grab your widest sauté pan (the larger the better!) and add extra virgin olive oil, then toss in the minced or sliced garlic and your chili flakes or Calabrian chili paste. Let everything sizzle over medium-low until their aromas fill the kitchen — about a minute of bubbling and stirring is perfect. Quickly add most of your tomato puree (save the last bit for later) and season well with salt. Bring this all to a gentle simmer, letting the sauce come alive and meld for the spaghetti’s dramatic entrance.

Step 3: Char and Cook the Spaghetti

Now comes the signature twist of Assassin’s Spaghetti. Arrange your dry spaghetti in the pan in a single, even layer. Let the pasta sit still, letting it soak up that vibrant red sauce for about five minutes. Resist the urge to stir! This step allows the bottom noodles to toast and caramelize for that addictively chewy, almost smoky crunch. Once the sauce has reduced and thickened, ladle in half of your hot tomato bone broth. Keep simmering without disturbing so more magic can happen at the pan’s surface.

Step 4: Flip and Finish

Once your spaghetti’s underside has taken on a golden char, carefully flip the pasta so the other side can soak up flavor and color. Add the remaining broth and gently loosen the noodles to prevent clumping, keeping their alignment as best you can. Allow the spaghetti to absorb almost all the new liquid, tasting as you go for doneness and seasoning. When al dente is achieved and another charred layer forms, stir in the last of your tomato puree with a splash of broth or water. Toss everything until glossy, saucy, and irresistibly red — then plate up while steaming hot!

How to Serve Assassin’s Spaghetti

Garnishes

Top your Assassin’s Spaghetti with a generous shower of fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and herbal lift. A scattering of grated Parmesan or pecorino isn’t traditional, but it’s downright delicious for those who love a little extra umami. Want extra fire? Add more chili flakes right over the top!

Side Dishes

Assassin’s Spaghetti shines brightest with simple sides that let its bold flavors take center stage. Try offering a crisp green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, or slices of crusty bread for sopping up every last drop of sauce. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant make great partners, while a glass of chilled Italian white or a light red wine rounds out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Assassin’s Spaghetti family-style on a dramatic platter, letting that charred top peek out for maximum effect. For date night, gently twirl individual portions into nests with tongs and set atop wide shallow bowls. Feeling playful? Pre-chop a few fresh chili peppers and scatter them over the plate for a vibrant, fiery look that hints at what’s to come!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Assassin’s Spaghetti deserves a little care — simply cool any uneaten pasta to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, with the flavors mellowing and deepening overnight for an even richer bite tomorrow.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze Assassin’s Spaghetti, portion the pasta into airtight containers or freezer bags. While the pasta will lose some of its crispy charm, the deep tomato and chili flavors stick around. Freeze for up to one month, and label the container with the date for best flavor.

Reheating

To revive your Assassin’s Spaghetti, add a splash of water or broth to a nonstick skillet over low heat, then gently reheat until piping hot, tossing occasionally to loosen the noodles. Reheating in the microwave works too, but for the crispiest results, use the skillet method — you might even get a fresh bit of caramelization as a bonus!

FAQs

Can I make Assassin’s Spaghetti less spicy?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of chili flakes or Calabrian chili paste to suit your heat preference. For little ones or spice-averse diners, start with just a teaspoon, then add more at the table for those who crave fire.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap in vegetable broth for chicken bone broth — the result will still be wonderfully rich and flavorful. For even more umami, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a touch of miso to the broth.

What’s the secret to getting that charred pasta texture?

The trick is patience — allow the dry spaghetti to sit undisturbed in the pan when first added, and repeat during flipping. This gives the pasta direct contact with the hot pan and tomato sauce, encouraging caramelization on both sides.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Assassin’s Spaghetti really shines with classic spaghetti, which has the ideal thickness and surface for caramelizing. You can experiment with linguine or bucatini, but thinner shapes like angel hair may overcook before developing that signature toasty bite.

How do I know when the pasta is done?

Taste is your best guide! The spaghetti should be al dente and infused with sauce, with a chewy yet tender bite. Taste a strand before adding the final bit of puree; if it’s still too firm, add a splash more broth and continue simmering.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never experienced the fiery, crispy magic of Assassin’s Spaghetti, this is your cue to treat yourself! The first bite is pure drama — smoky, spicy, and intensely tomato-y, all created from simple ingredients and bold technique. I promise, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.

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