If you’ve been on the hunt for a pasta dish that’s soul-warming, bursting with fresh flavors, and downright delicious, then you’re going to fall head over heels for The Bear Spaghetti Recipe. It’s a beautifully simple yet refined spaghetti dish that combines the magic of San Marzano tomatoes with fragrant basil and a surprisingly silky, buttery sauce — trust me, this one becomes a fast favorite at any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples with a gourmet twist, making it surprisingly easy to whip up.
- Bursting with Freshness: The fresh basil and San Marzano tomatoes create an irresistibly vibrant flavor profile.
- Comfort in Every Bite: That buttery onion base and silky sauce make every mouthful feel like a warm hug.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for an intimate dinner or impressing friends without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in The Bear Spaghetti Recipe plays a starring role in its flavor and texture. From the richness of butter balanced by the brightness of fresh basil to the comforting bite of al dente spaghetti, each element brings harmony to this dish.
- Spaghetti (220g): The perfect canvas for carrying all those wonderful flavors without overpowering the sauce.
- Olive oil (80ml): Extra virgin is best here – it infuses the garlic and basil, giving the sauce a beautiful depth.
- San Marzano tomatoes (1 can, 400g): These Italian tomatoes are the heart of the sauce, known for their natural sweetness and low acidity.
- Yellow onion (½ large): Slowly caramelized in butter to lend a mellow sweetness and richness to the sauce.
- Fresh basil leaves (½ packet or 12g): Adds a fragrant, herbal lift that brightens the entire dish.
- Red pepper flakes (½ tsp): For just a whisper of heat that awakens your palate.
- Garlic (3 cloves): Smashed and gently infused into the oil, releasing its aromatic magic without overpowering.
- Butter (60g): Creates a luscious, silky texture and adds indulgent flavor.
- Salt: Essential for balancing all the wonderful flavors.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): Grated on top for an extra boost of umami and creaminess.
Variations
One of the best parts about The Bear Spaghetti Recipe is how easily it can be personalized. Whether you want to keep it vegetarian, add some protein, or tweak the heat level, this recipe is a wonderful base to experiment with.
- Add Protein: Incorporate Italian sausage, grilled chicken, or cooked shrimp to make it more hearty and filling.
- Make It Vegan: Swap butter with olive oil and leave out the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Boost the Spice: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili powder for those who like a serious kick.
- Experiment with Herbs: Mix in fresh oregano or thyme along with basil for a different herbal character.
How to Make The Bear Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Infuse the Olive Oil
Start by gently warming olive oil in a small saucepan. Smash and peel your garlic cloves, then toss them in along with the red pepper flakes and fresh basil. Allow this to infuse over medium-low heat for just a couple of minutes until it starts to gently simmer – this step sets the aromatic foundation for the sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
While the oil is infusing, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package instructions. Before draining, be sure to save half a cup of that starchy pasta water — it’s magic in helping your sauce cling beautifully to each strand.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onion
Halve and peel your yellow onion, then heat butter with a splash of olive oil in a large pot on medium-low. Place the onion cut-side down and slow cook it for about 8 minutes until it turns golden and releases its sweet, fragrant richness. This step adds layers of depth to your sauce.
Step 4: Create the Tomato Sauce
Add your canned San Marzano tomatoes to the pot with the onion, breaking them up gently with a wooden spoon. Bring to a gentle boil, then season with salt. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for about 8 minutes to marry all those beautiful flavors.
Step 5: Blend and Finish the Sauce
Pour the infused basil oil into your simmering tomato sauce and adjust seasoning with salt. Add the reserved pasta water and let everything simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Remove the onion halves and use an immersion blender to achieve a luxuriously smooth sauce that hugs every spaghetti strand perfectly.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Toss your perfectly cooked spaghetti into the finished sauce until every twist is coated in that silky, flavorful goodness. Plate it up and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprig of basil if you like — and now you’re ready to dig into a bowl of pure comfort with that wonderful homemade touch.
Pro Tips for Making The Bear Spaghetti Recipe
- Low and Slow Onion Cooking: Taking your time caramelizing the onion creates a sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water is essential for smoothing out the sauce and helping it cling to the pasta without thinning it too much.
- Gentle Garlic Infusion: Don’t let the oil get too hot when infusing garlic and basil to avoid bitterness and keep the flavors fresh.
- Immersion Blender Magic: Blending the sauce ensures that smooth, silky texture that makes The Bear Spaghetti Recipe truly stand out.
How to Serve The Bear Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few bright basil leaves bring a lovely finishing touch. For those who like it a bit bolder, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a crack of black pepper adds perfect flair.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a basket of warm, crusty bread to mop up that heavenly sauce. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes also make excellent companions, rounding out your meal with brightness and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, twirl each serving of spaghetti on a large fork or tongs to create perfect nests atop your plates. Garnish with a fresh basil leaf on top and add a small drizzle of infused olive oil for that glossy, gourmet look that wows guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover spaghetti and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, making it just as satisfying the next day.
Freezing
The sauce freezes beautifully on its own for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and mix freshly cooked pasta in when ready to serve — this keeps the pasta texture perfect without turning mushy.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or olive oil if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir often to ensure it warms evenly and stays silky.
FAQs
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Can I use dried basil instead of fresh in The Bear Spaghetti Recipe?
While fresh basil provides the brightest, freshest flavor and aroma, you can substitute dried basil in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount and add it earlier in the cooking process so it has time to infuse the sauce properly.
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What makes San Marzano tomatoes special for this recipe?
San Marzano tomatoes are prized for their natural sweetness, low acidity, and thick flesh, which create a rich and balanced tomato sauce perfect for pasta dishes like The Bear Spaghetti Recipe.
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Is it necessary to use butter in the sauce?
Butter isn’t strictly necessary, but it adds a creamy richness that elevates the sauce’s texture and flavor. If you prefer, you can use more olive oil for a lighter version or opt for a vegan butter substitute.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
Absolutely! The sauce holds up wonderfully and even tastes better the next day. Store sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat when you’re ready for a quick and delicious meal.
Final Thoughts
The Bear Spaghetti Recipe is one of those wonderful dishes that feels both special and approachable — perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely dinners with loved ones. Give it a go and let the simple, vibrant flavors remind you why pasta is a true comfort food classic!
PrintThe Bear Spaghetti Recipe
The Bear Spaghetti is a simple yet flavorful Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic, basil, and red pepper flakes. This recipe emphasizes slow-simmered San Marzano tomatoes combined with caramelized onion and a fragrant basil oil, creating a smooth and aromatic sauce that perfectly coats al dente spaghetti. Finished with a touch of butter and optionally garnished with Parmesan cheese, it makes for a cozy, satisfying meal ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Spaghetti
- 220g spaghetti
Sauce and Infusion
- 80ml olive oil
- 1 (400g) can chopped San Marzano tomatoes or high-quality Italian tomatoes
- 1/2 large yellow onion
- 1/2 packet fresh basil leaves (or 12g basil leaves)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 cloves garlic
- 60g butter
- Salt, to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Parmesan cheese, to garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the basil-infused oil: In a small saucepan, combine olive oil with peeled, smashed garlic cloves, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil leaves. Heat over medium-low heat until the mixture begins to simmer. Let it infuse for 1-2 minutes off heat to impart the flavors without burning.
- Cook the spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve half a cup of the pasta cooking water for adjusting the sauce consistency later.
- Caramelize the onion: Slice the onion in half through the root and peel off the skin. In a large pot, heat the butter alongside a splash of olive oil over medium-low heat. Place the onion halves cut-side down in the pot and cook for about 8 minutes until they turn golden brown and fragrant, imparting a rich sweetness to the base of the sauce.
- Prepare the tomato sauce: Add the canned chopped tomatoes to the pot with the onion, breaking them up gently with a wooden spoon. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, season with salt, cover, and simmer on low heat for 8 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Combine basil oil and adjust sauce: Stir the infused basil oil into the tomato sauce. Add salt to taste, then pour in the reserved pasta water. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes to slightly thicken and blend flavors. Remove the onion halves, then use an immersion blender to purée the sauce until smooth and creamy.
- Toss pasta in sauce and serve: Mix the cooked spaghetti thoroughly in the finished sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness and help it cling to the spaghetti.
- Simmering the basil-infused oil gently prevents burning the garlic and releasing bitterness.
- Using an immersion blender creates a velvety texture for the sauce, but you can also leave it chunkier if preferred.
- San Marzano tomatoes are recommended for their natural sweetness and low acidity, enhancing the sauce’s flavor.
- Adding butter to the sauce enriches the mouthfeel and balances acidity from the tomatoes.
- Optionally garnish with Parmesan or vegan cheese substitutes to keep it vegetarian or compatible with certain dietary requirements.
