Spaghetti Maradona Recipe Guide
Spaghetti alla Maradona
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling spaghetti
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Colander
- Ladle
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- For the Pasta:
- 400 g 14 oz spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon salt for boiling water
- For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves finely minced
- 2 red chili peppers finely sliced (or 1 teaspoon red chili flakes)
- 400 g 14 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100 g 3.5 oz black olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons capers rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves roughly torn
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For Garnish:
- 50 g 1.8 oz grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Lemon zest optional
Instructions
- Method
- Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
- Start the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chili, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, but be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Vegetables
- Toss in the cherry tomatoes, black olives, and capers. Stir well, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices (about 7–8 minutes).
- Season and Simmer
- Sprinkle in the dried oregano and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce appears too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Stir in the fresh basil leaves and allow the flavors to meld for 2–3 minutes.
- Rest and Serve
- Let the spaghetti rest for 5 minutes to absorb the sauce fully. Serve warm, garnished with grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of lemon zest, if desired.
- Variations, Tips, and Substitutions
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Skip the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a vegan alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti to enjoy this dish without compromising on flavor.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or canned tuna for a heartier version.
- Kid-Friendly: Reduce or omit the chili for a milder taste that kids will enjoy.
- Budget-Friendly: Substitute fresh cherry tomatoes with a can of diced tomatoes.
Spaghetti Maradona is a vibrant, flavorful Italian dish named in honor of the legendary footballer Diego Maradona, known for his bold personality and zest for life. This dish combines the simplicity of spaghetti with the boldness of Mediterranean flavors, making it an unforgettable culinary experience. From my own personal experience, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Let me show you how I make this delicious dish and how you can customize it to suit your preferences.
Notes on What to Expect When Making Spaghetti Maradona
When making Spaghetti Maradona, expect a lively, aromatic dish that packs a punch with its combination of bold flavors. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll experience while preparing it:
- Freshness and Fragrance: The moment you sauté the garlic and chili in olive oil, your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible, savory fragrance. The garlic becomes beautifully aromatic, while the chili adds a warm, spicy edge.
- Tomatoes & Olives: As the cherry tomatoes soften and burst open, they release a natural sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the briny olives and capers. The sauce will have a rich, Mediterranean flavor that makes this dish feel both refreshing and hearty at the same time.
- Pasta Perfection: Once you toss the pasta with the sauce, the spaghetti will soak up all the delicious flavors. The dish will be juicy but not overly saucy, just the right balance so that each bite feels satisfying.
- Simplicity with Impact: While the ingredients are simple, the flavors come together in a way that feels complex and comforting. The fresh basil and the optional lemon zest add a pop of freshness at the end, tying everything together beautifully.
Expect a dish that’s not only tasty but also quick to make, so you won’t have to spend too long in the kitchen. It’s perfect for a relaxed, flavorful meal without a lot of fuss.
Recipe Details
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Time to Stand: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Beginner-friendly
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: ~480
- Cost of Ingredients: Moderate
Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling spaghetti
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Colander
- Ladle
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Spaghetti Maradona now.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 400g (14 oz) spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 red chili peppers, finely sliced (or 1 teaspoon red chili flakes)
- 400g (14 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100g (3.5 oz) black olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 50g (1.8 oz) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Lemon zest (optional)
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Spaghetti Maradona now.
Method
1. Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
2. Start the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chili, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, but be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add Vegetables
- Toss in the cherry tomatoes, black olives, and capers. Stir well, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices (about 7–8 minutes).
4. Season and Simmer
- Sprinkle in the dried oregano and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce appears too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Stir in the fresh basil leaves and allow the flavors to meld for 2–3 minutes.
6. Rest and Serve
- Let the spaghetti rest for 5 minutes to absorb the sauce fully. Serve warm, garnished with grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of lemon zest, if desired.
Variations, Tips, and Substitutions
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Skip the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a vegan alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti to enjoy this dish without compromising on flavor.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or canned tuna for a heartier version.
- Kid-Friendly: Reduce or omit the chili for a milder taste that kids will enjoy.
- Budget-Friendly: Substitute fresh cherry tomatoes with a can of diced tomatoes.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Spaghetti Maradona now.
Notes on What to Expect
Spaghetti Maradona offers a beautifully balanced flavor profile, sweetness from the tomatoes, brininess from the olives and capers, and a gentle kick from the chili. The dish is light yet satisfying, making it perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~480
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
Closing
I hope this guide has made preparing Spaghetti Maradona seem a little less daunting. Have you tried making this dish before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below! I love hearing feedback from real people like you, so please, leave your honest thoughts. 😊
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>
