If you’ve recently binge-watched The Bear on Hulu, chances are high you’ve also been thinking about THAT pasta – the simple spaghetti recipe to end all spaghetti recipes. This dish is not only delicious but also perfect for various occasions, whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a gathering with friends. With its fresh ingredients and rich flavors, The Bear Spaghetti will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh basil, garlic, and San Marzano tomatoes creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates simple spaghetti to new heights.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or side dish, this spaghetti can be served with various proteins or vegetables.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of staple items to create this fantastic meal, so you can whip it up anytime.
- Impressive Presentation: Serve it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and basil for an elegant touch that will impress your guests.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making The Bear Spaghetti, gather your tools and ingredients. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Immersion blender (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large heavy-bottomed pot: Ensures even heat distribution while cooking the sauce, preventing burning.
- Immersion blender: Allows you to blend the sauce directly in the pot for a smooth texture without transferring to another container.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make The Bear Spaghetti:
For the Pasta
- 220g spaghetti
For the Sauce
- 80ml olive oil
- 1 400g can chopped San Marzano tomatoes or high quality chopped 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
For Serving (Optional)
- Parmesan cheese, to garnish
How to Make The Bear Spaghetti
Step 1: Infuse the Olive Oil
Place the olive oil into a small saucepan. Smash and peel the garlic cloves, then add them to the oil. Add in the red pepper flakes and half of the basil leaves. Heat over medium-low until it comes to a boil. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the basil wilts. Remove from heat and let it infuse.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
While the oil is infusing, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 3: Sauté Onion
Slice the onion in half through its root and peel off the skin. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter with some olive oil over medium-low heat. Place one onion half cut-side down in the pot. Cook for about 8 minutes until golden brown.
Step 4: Prepare Tomato Sauce
Add canned tomatoes into the pot with onion. Use a wooden spoon to gently break up any whole tomatoes if needed. Once boiling, lower heat, season with salt, cover tightly, and simmer for 8 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Sauces
Stir in the infused basil oil into the tomato sauce until combined. Adjust salt if necessary. Add reserved pasta water and simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes. Remove onion halves and blend sauce using an immersion blender if desired.
Step 6: Toss Pasta with Sauce
Toss cooked spaghetti through the sauce until evenly coated. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil leaves if desired.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade The Bear Spaghetti!
How to Serve The Bear Spaghetti
Serving The Bear Spaghetti is an opportunity to elevate this simple dish into a delightful experience. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy your spaghetti.
Classic Presentation
- Use a large pasta bowl and twirl the spaghetti into a nest shape for a rustic look.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few basil leaves for added color.
Add Protein
- Top your spaghetti with grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- A poached egg can add richness and creaminess to each bite.
Flavor Boosters
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the finished dish for a finishing touch.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavors beautifully.
Seasonal Vegetables
- Incorporate sautéed seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- A side salad with mixed greens pairs perfectly and adds freshness.
Bread on the Side
- Serve with crusty garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Breadsticks can be a fun, crunchy side that kids will love.
How to Perfect The Bear Spaghetti
To achieve the perfect bowl of The Bear Spaghetti, follow these handy tips that enhance flavor and texture.
- Use quality ingredients: Choose high-quality San Marzano tomatoes and fresh basil for the best flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente: Make sure to cook your spaghetti just until al dente for the perfect texture that holds up in sauce.
- Infuse olive oil properly: Allow the garlic and basil to infuse in the olive oil; this step adds depth of flavor to your sauce.
- Reserve pasta water: Keep some pasta water aside; its starch helps bind the sauce to the pasta beautifully.
- Don’t skip simmering: Allow your sauce to simmer gently; it enhances the taste by melding all ingredients together.
- Taste before serving: Always taste your sauce before serving, adjusting salt as needed for optimal flavor.
Best Side Dishes for The Bear Spaghetti
Pairing side dishes with The Bear Spaghetti can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery bread infused with garlic makes a classic accompaniment for any pasta dish.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer lightness alongside your hearty spaghetti.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and nutrients to your meal while complementing the flavors of spaghetti.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and creamy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to rich pasta dishes.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic creates an enticing starter before diving into the main course.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated veggies makes for an elegant side that invites sharing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking The Bear Spaghetti can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that may hinder your results.
- Using low-quality tomatoes: The flavor of your sauce depends heavily on the quality of tomatoes. Always choose San Marzano or high-quality Italian tomatoes for the best taste.
- Overcooking the spaghetti: Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and loses its appeal. Make sure to follow the package instructions and aim for al dente.
- Skipping the pasta water: Pasta water adds creaminess to your sauce. Don’t forget to reserve some before draining your spaghetti!
- Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Taste your sauce as you cook and adjust salt accordingly.
- Rushing the infusion process: Allowing the garlic and basil to infuse in olive oil is key for great flavor. Don’t rush this step; let it simmer gently.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store The Bear Spaghetti in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing The Bear Spaghetti
- Allow the spaghetti to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, which can last up to 3 months.
Reheating The Bear Spaghetti
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place spaghetti in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer a portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
- Stovetop: Place spaghetti in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil and stir until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making The Bear Spaghetti.
How long does it take to cook The Bear Spaghetti?
It takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time.
Can I use gluten-free pasta for The Bear Spaghetti?
Yes! Feel free to substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta for a delicious alternative.
What toppings can I add to The Bear Spaghetti?
You can enhance your dish with grilled chicken, sautéed vegetables, or more fresh basil. Parmesan cheese also adds a nice touch!
Is The Bear Spaghetti suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
The Bear Spaghetti is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with comfort and flavor. Its simplicity makes it easy to customize according to your preferences. Whether you add proteins or extra veggies, this recipe adapts beautifully. Give it a try and enjoy every bite!
The Bear Spaghetti
Experience the comfort and flavor of ‘The Bear’ Spaghetti, inspired by the popular Hulu series. This simple yet delightful spaghetti dish combines fresh ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and fragrant basil to create a rich and buttery sauce that elevates your dining experience. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests at a gathering. With just 30 minutes of preparation time, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights while still being versatile enough to pair with various proteins or vegetables. Treat yourself to a bowl of this irresistible pasta and savor every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 220g spaghetti
- 80ml olive oil
- 400g can chopped San Marzano tomatoes
- 1/2 large yellow onion
- 12g fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 cloves garlic
- 60g butter
- Salt to taste
- Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Infuse olive oil: Heat olive oil in a small saucepan with smashed garlic, red pepper flakes, and half the basil until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Cook spaghetti: Boil spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Sauté onion: In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter with some olive oil over medium-low heat. Cook one onion half until golden brown.
- Prepare sauce: Add canned tomatoes to the pot, season with salt, cover, and simmer for 8 minutes.
- Combine sauces: Stir in infused olive oil and reserved pasta water; simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes. Blend if desired.
- Toss pasta: Mix cooked spaghetti into the sauce until evenly coated. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
