Spaghetti all'Assassina, or "Assassin's Spaghetti," isn't as menacing as its name suggests. Instead, this unique Italian pasta dish offers a surprisingly delightful twist on a classic. Forget creamy sauces; this recipe embraces the bold flavors of toasted bread, garlic, and a generous amount of olive oil, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your palate. The slightly crunchy bread adds an unexpected depth, complementing the perfectly cooked spaghetti and forming a captivating sauce. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive yet uncomplicated gathering.
This unconventional preparation method results in a pasta dish that’s both rustic and refined. The seemingly simple ingredients come together to create a culinary experience far greater than the sum of its parts. Ready to embark on this flavorful adventure and learn how to make this unforgettable pasta? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Stove
Ingredients
- Water: 800 ml
- Tomato puree: 300 g
- Salt
- Olive oil
- Garlic cloves: 2
- Chili pepper
- Spaghetti
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Tomato Broth and Soffritto
- In 800 ml of water, add almost all of the 300g tomato puree, leaving a little for later. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
- In a pan, add a couple of spoonfuls of oil, two chopped garlic cloves, and a little chili pepper. Fry until golden.
- Add the reserved tomato paste to the soffritto and cook for a few minutes until it boils.



Step 2. Toast the Spaghetti
- Add the spaghetti directly to the pan with the soffritto. Use a large pan to accommodate the spaghetti.
- Toast the spaghetti over high heat without touching them initially. After a while, start turning them slowly, reducing the heat to prevent splattering.
- Add a couple of ladles of the tomato broth to the toasted spaghetti. Continue cooking, adding more broth only when the previous addition has been absorbed, and the spaghetti start to stick to the pan.
- Continue toasting the spaghetti each time the broth dries up until the spaghetti are well-cooked.




Step 3. Cook the Spaghetti
- Put a pan with 800 ml of water on the stove.
- Once the spaghetti are cooked, turn off the heat.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve and enjoy!

Read more: Easy Basil Pesto Pasta: Simple, Cheap, & Delicious Recipe
Tips
- The tomato broth should be tasty.
- The spaghetti should be nice and golden.
- Keep the heat very low for the tomato broth to stay hot.
- The spaghetti will soften without breaking as they cook.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of bread besides day-old bread for the croutons?
Yes, but day-old bread is ideal as it's drier and toasts better, resulting in crispier croutons. Use a crusty bread like a baguette or ciabatta for best results.
2. What kind of olive oil should I use?
Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil. Its fruity flavor will enhance the overall taste of the dish. Don't be shy with the amount!
So there you have it – your journey into the surprisingly delicious world of Spaghetti all'Assassina is complete! This simple yet flavorful pasta dish is guaranteed to become a new favorite, impressing both seasoned cooks and novice chefs alike. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and rich flavor of this unique Italian culinary creation.