Chef’s Spaghetti Parm is a delicious Italian-American dish consisting of spaghetti topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This cheesy, saucy pasta dish is a fan favorite that can be found on the menus of Italian restaurants across the country. But what exactly is Spaghetti Parm, and how did it become such a staple in American cuisine? Keep reading to learn all about the history, ingredients, and best practices for making this classic pasta dish at home.
What is Spaghetti Parm?
Spaghetti Parm, also known as Spaghetti Parmesan, is made by tossing hot cooked spaghetti with marinara sauce and topping it with shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese. The cheese is then melted so it coats the pasta in a gooey, delicious layer. Grated Parmesan cheese can also be sprinkled on top to add even more flavor.
The end result is a plate of pasta blanketed in rich, tomatoey sauce and melted cheese. Each bite delivers a mouthwatering mix of textures and flavors. The al dente spaghetti offers a hearty, toothsome bite. The savory marinara sauce provides a boost of aromatic tomato flavor. And the melted mozzarella pulls into satisfying, chewy strands. A sprinkling of salty, nutty Parmesan adds the final touch.
Origin of Spaghetti Parm
Spaghetti Parmesan has Italian roots, but it was Italian immigrants who popularized the dish in America. Pasta with tomato sauce and cheese took off as a menu item in Italian restaurants across the U.S. in the early 1900s. The name “Parmesan” comes from the grated hard cheese originally used.
Spaghetti Parm became even more mainstream when it started appearing in American cookbooks in the 1950s and 60s. As Italian food grew in popularity in the U.S., this cheesy pasta dish became a beloved meal for families. It was affordable, kid-friendly, and easy to prepare. Spaghetti Parm’s popularity soared over the following decades, cementing its place as a classic American Italian food.
Ingredients in Spaghetti Parm
The ingredients for Spaghetti Parm are simple, but each plays an important role:
Spaghetti – Traditionally, spaghetti is used for this dish. The long, thin noodles have just the right texture and size to grip the sauce and cheese. Sturdy spaghetti won’t fall apart or overcook.
Marinara sauce – A tomato-based sauce infused with Italian herbs and spices gives this dish its signature flavor. The simmered sauce clings perfectly to each strand.
Mozzarella cheese – Low-moisture mozzarella is the preferred cheese since it melts evenly without turning rubbery. The melted mozz stretches into delicious strings when you take a bite.
Grated Parmesan – Finely grated Parmesan adds a nutty, salty punch and a slight crunch. Other hard Italian cheeses like Pecorino Romano work too.
Herbs – Fresh parsley, basil, or oregano make tasty garnishes. Their bright green color and flavor provide the final fresh finish.
How to Make Spaghetti Parm
Making restaurant-quality Spaghetti Parm at home is easy to do. Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan until warmed through.
Step 3: Shred or slice the mozzarella cheese so it’s ready for topping.
Step 4: Add the hot cooked spaghetti to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
Step 5: Transfer the sauced spaghetti to a baking dish. Top with the shredded mozzarella.
Step 6: Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Step 7: Remove from oven and top with grated Parmesan and fresh chopped herbs.
Step 8: Serve immediately while hot and melty. Enjoy!
Tips for Making Perfect Spaghetti Parm
– Cook the pasta al dente so it holds its texture in the oven. Undercooked noodles turn to mush.
– Use high-quality ingredients like imported Italian tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Stay away from canned sauce or rubbery cheese.
– For even coverage, toss the spaghetti with sauce before transferring to the baking dish.
– Bake just until the cheese melts to avoid overcooking the pasta.
– Skip dried herbs and use fresh chopped parsley, basil, oregano, or a mix.
Different Variations
While the classic version uses a marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, Spaghetti Parm can be endlessly customized:
– Substitute ground beef, Italian sausage, or meatballs for a heartier, meaty dish
– Use Parmesan, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses for more flavor
– Swap in a creamy Alfredo sauce or vodka sauce for a richer pasta
– Add sauteed vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition
– Stir in chili flakes or black pepper for a spicy kick
– Top with olives,pepperoncinis, or roasted red peppers for a briny bite
– Garnish with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or Italian parsley
So get creative and make Spaghetti Parm your own! The possibilities are endless.
Pairing with Wine and Sides
A good glass of wine can take Spaghetti Parm to new levels of flavor. Here are some perfect pairings:
– Chianti – The medium body and tart cherry notes of this iconic Italian red complements the tomato sauce.
– Pinot Noir – Its bright acidity cuts through the rich cheese and herbs.
– Sangiovese – Notes of red fruits and spice match nicely with the marinara flavors.
– Cabernet Sauvignon – Bold and savory, it stands up to the hearty meat and cheese.
For side dishes, add an Italian-inspired salad or sauteed vegetables:
– Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, garlic croutons, and Parmesan
– Caprese salad with sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil
– Sauteed broccoli rabe with garlic and olive oil
– Sauteed spinach with garlic and lemon
– Garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping into sauce
A crisp green salad or vegetable side balances out the richness of the pasta and cheese. And don’t forget to have grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes on hand so guests can customize their dish.
Where to Enjoy in Restaurants
From Italian eateries to family restaurants, Spaghetti Parmesan is a menu staple across the country. Here are some top spots to order and enjoy:
Carrabba’s Italian Grill – Their Spaghetti Pomodoro is swimming in a zesty tomato sauce with capers, olives, and mushrooms. Oregano and Parmesan give it extra depth.
Olive Garden – No one does comfort Italian food like Olive Garden. Their Five Cheese Ziti al Forno takes Spaghetti Parmesan to cheesy new heights.
Macaroni Grill – Try their Spaghetti with Mushroom Sauce for an earthy twist on the classic dish. Porcini mushrooms add woodsy flavor.
Maggiano’s Little Italy – Their marinara is made with vine-ripened tomatoes and topped with both shredded and fresh mozzarella for an extra creamy bite.
Buca di Beppo – Their generous portions means you’ll have delicious leftovers. Get the Spaghetti and Meatballs with extra meaty tomato sauce.
Nutrition Information
One serving of Spaghetti Parmesan contains approximately:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 558 |
| Total Fat | 17 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Sodium | 588 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 70 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 8 g |
| Protein | 25 g |
As a pasta dish, Spaghetti Parm is high in carbohydrates from the pasta itself. It also provides protein from the cheese as well as a range of vitamins and minerals.
The saturated fat and sodium levels can be high depending on ingredients like cheese, sauce, meat, etc. Those watching their intake may want to use low-fat options. Whole wheat pasta can increase the fiber.
Overall, Spaghetti Parm makes a filling and satisfying meal as part of a balanced diet. Just be mindful of portion sizes as the calories can add up!
Cost to Make at Home
Here is an estimated cost breakdown to make Spaghetti Parm at home for 4 servings:
| Ingredient | Price |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti – 1 lb | $1.00 |
| Marinara sauce – 24 oz | $3.00 |
| Shredded mozzarella – 8 oz | $2.50 |
| Grated Parmesan – 1/4 cup | $0.50 |
| Parsley – 2 tsp | $0.10 |
| Garlic bread | $1.00 |
| Total cost: | $8.10 |
| Cost per serving: | $2.03 |
This comes out to just over $2 per serving. Buying store-brand pasta and sauce instead of name brands can lower the price further. Making your own marinara sauce and baking garlic bread from scratch would also reduce costs.
Overall, Spaghetti Parm is relatively inexpensive to make at home. It uses pantry staple ingredients that keep well so you can have the components on hand. Plus you’ll have leftovers for lunches or another meal.
How Long Does it Keep?
Properly stored, leftover Spaghetti Parmesan will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Here are some storage tips:
– Allow cooked pasta to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation.
– Transfer to an airtight container and press plastic wrap directly on surface to prevent drying out.
– If storing sauce and pasta separately, coat pasta in a little oil to prevent sticking.
– Keep leftovers refrigerated at 40°F or below.
– Make sure to reheat thoroughly until piping hot, at least 165°F.
– Reheating in oven or on stovetop is better than microwave to maintain texture.
– Don’t freeze pasta with sauce already tossed as it wil compromise quality. Freeze them separately.
With proper refrigeration and reheating, Spaghetti Parm leftovers retain almost the same delicious taste and texture. Just be wary of any signs of spoilage like mold, off smells, or sourness. When in doubt, throw it out.
Conclusion
From its Italian immigrant origins to its popularity today, Spaghetti Parmesan has secured its place as a cherished American classic. Its winning combination of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and zesty herbs never goes out of style. Just about every family has its own version, whether hearty with meatballs or fresh and simple.
Part of Spaghetti Parm’s appeal lies in its versatility and ability to be customized. Switch up the proteins, use different pasta shapes, blend cheese varieties, play with spice levels to make it your own. Serve it up for family dinners, potlucks, or a comforting weeknight meal. However you sauce it up, this crowd-pleasing pasta pleases palates of all ages. Spaghetti Parm may have started in Italy, but today its cheesy, saucy goodness is as American as apple pie.