Best Easy Spaghettoni alla Chitarra Recipe

Thick square-cut pasta from Abruzzo with a robust meat or tomato ragù. This mediterranean family dish has a satisfying bite and pairs beautifully with high protein sauces.

Cook 50 min Difficulty NORMAL 565 kcal
#Mediterranean #High Protein
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • spaghettoni (thick pasta) 12 oz
  • ground beef 8 oz
  • crushed tomatoes 2 cups
  • onion 1 pieces
  • carrot 1 pieces
  • celery stalk 1 pieces
  • olive oil 3 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • fresh basil 0.25 cup
  • grated Parmesan cheese 0.5 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 73 g 52%
Protein 22 g 16%
Fat 18 g 32%
Serving size 220g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery, sautéing until vegetables are softened and lightly golden, about 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and no pink remains. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning.

  3. 3

    Pour in crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to maintain moisture.

  4. 4

    In a separate pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghettoni and cook until al dente, 8–10 minutes; check texture early to avoid overcooking.

  5. 5

    Drain pasta and add to the ragù sauce. Toss gently over low heat for 1 minute, allowing pasta to absorb flavors. Finish with remaining olive oil, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What are the essential ingredients that give Spaghettoni alla Chitarra its identity?
The thick spaghettoni pasta is key, providing its signature square-cut bite. The dish’s robust flavor comes from ground beef, crushed tomatoes, and aromatics like onion, carrot, and celery. Olive oil, fresh basil, and grated Parmesan complete its Mediterranean character.
Q. How do you control heat and timing for perfect ragù sauce?
Brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, then lower heat for the simmer with tomatoes and spices. Simmering gently for 20–25 minutes preserves moisture while developing deep flavor—stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
Q. What's the best way to achieve a satisfying pasta texture?
Cook spaghettoni in vigorously boiling salted water until just al dente, checking for firmness after 8 minutes. Avoid overcooking—drain immediately and toss with sauce so the pasta absorbs flavor without becoming mushy.
Q. What is the calorie and macronutrient breakdown per serving?
Each serving provides about 565 kcal, with 73g carbohydrates (52%), 22g protein (16%), and 18g fat (32%). The protein content is substantial, making the dish high-protein and Mediterranean diet friendly.
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