Ketchup Spaghetti Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it transforms humble pantry staples into a deliciously comforting dish with a nostalgic twist that takes me back to childhood dinners. Plus, it’s a quick and easy way to elevate a basic spaghetti night, and I can’t get enough of that sweet and tangy ketchup sauce with a hint of Parmesan magic.

This Ketchup Spaghetti recipe has such nostalgic flavors. It reminds me so much of my childhood.

The 8 oz of spaghetti is just the right amount to serve two, and its base can’t get easier: 1 tbsp of olive oil, 1 clove of minced garlic, and 1/2 of a finely chopped onion. My mom always insisted that a good spaghetti sauce doesn’t need to simmer all day, and I think the combination of 1/2 green bell pepper, 1/2 cup ketchup, and 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce is about as close as you can get to a quick and easy sauce that still tastes good.

Ingredients

Spaghetti: Supplied with carbohydrates, spaghetti offers energy along with a nourishing, cozy mouthfeel.

Garlic: Familiar for its aromatic taste, garlic offers immune-boosting benefits.

Green Bell Pepper: Contributes a fresh crunch and is a rich source of vitamins A and C.

Ketchup: Provides a sweet and sour flavor, the combination of tomatoes and vinegar giving it a one-of-a-kind taste.

Worcestershire Sauce—Provides a savory umami depth, enhancing the dish’s complexity.

Parmesan cheese provides a nutty, salty finish and a protein boost.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti until al dente, following the package directions. Drain and hold.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

4. Chopped onion and diced green bell pepper should be added to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.

5. Combine the ketchup and the Worcestershire sauce, and mix thoroughly with the vegetables.

6. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.

7. Add the sauce and vegetables to the spaghetti. Toss to combine the ingredients.

8. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes over low heat to ensure that the spaghetti is heated through and that the sauce nicely coats it.

9. Take it off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and evenly distributed.

10. Ketchup spaghetti should be served piping hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Skillet
3. Wooden spoon or spatula
4. Chef’s knife
5. Cutting board
6. Measuring spoons
7. Measuring cup
8. Colander
9. Grater
10. Mixing bowl (optional)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use whole wheat spaghetti instead of regular spaghetti?You can opt for whole wheat spaghetti or any pasta of your liking for an even healthier meal.
• Q: Is there a substitute for Worcestershire sauce in this recipe?A: You can substitute Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce or tamari for a somewhat different flavor.
• Q: How can I make this recipe vegetarian?Make sure your Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian or use a vegetarian alternative, as the recipe is already vegetarian.
• Q: Can I add protein to this dish?A: Indeed, you have the option to incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to boost the protein levels.
• Q: Is there a way to make this dish spicier?Incorporate a few red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to add some heat.
• Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?The sauce can be prepared beforehand, but for best texture, the spaghetti should be cooked just before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

You can swap 1 tablespoon of olive oil for 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or butter if you want to achieve a different flavor profile.
One clove of minced garlic can be swapped with one-quarter teaspoon of garlic powder or one-half teaspoon of granulated garlic.
Substituting any parts of the source material changes the meaning or tone of the passage. One should not offer a substitution unless one is trained in the skills of textual analysis or exegesis.
Instead of using 1/2 green bell pepper, diced, you can use 1/2 red or yellow bell pepper, which will give you a sweeter flavor.
For an umami alternative, you can replace 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce.

Pro Tips

1. Spaghetti Cooking To ensure perfectly cooked spaghetti, add a splash of olive oil to the boiling water. This can help prevent the strands from sticking together after draining.

2. Layered Flavor Consider adding a bit of depth to your sauce by incorporating a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of soy sauce alongside the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce for an extra umami kick.

3. Vegetable Precooking For an enhanced flavor, try roasting the green bell pepper in the oven before dicing it and adding it to the skillet. This technique can bring out a sweeter and smokier taste in the pepper.

4. Cheese Integration When integrating the parmesan, consider reserving a bit to sprinkle on top just before serving. This not only adds a nice garnish but also provides a layer of cheese flavor upon digging into the dish.

5. Herb Infusion To maximize the flavor from the parsley, add some of it to the sauce towards the end of cooking, reserving some for final garnish. This dual-step will impart a more robust herb flavor.