Piggly Wiggly
Piggly Wiggly Spaghetti
What it is
This is a package of dried spaghetti, a long, thin, cylindrical pasta made from durum wheat semolina. It is a staple food in many cuisines, particularly Italian. The pasta is dried to preserve it, making it shelf-stable. When cooked, it becomes tender and ready to absorb sauces.
How people cook with it
Spaghetti is incredibly versatile and forms the base for countless dishes. It pairs well with a wide range of sauces, from simple tomato-based ones to rich meat sauces.
- With marinara sauce
- With pesto
- In baked pasta dishes
- With garlic and oil
To cook spaghetti, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the dried spaghetti, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions until al dente, which means it is tender but still has a slight bite. Drain the pasta well, reserving some of the cooking water. Toss the drained spaghetti immediately with your chosen sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the strands evenly.
How it differs from similar foods
This spaghetti is made from durum wheat semolina, which gives it a firm texture and a slightly nutty flavor when cooked. Other types of pasta might be made from different flours or have different shapes, affecting how they hold sauce and their overall mouthfeel.
Who it is for
Home cooks looking for a foundational ingredient for Italian-inspired meals will find this spaghetti useful.
How to keep the rest
Store the unopened package of spaghetti in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight. Once opened, keep any remaining pasta in an airtight container to protect it from moisture and pests, ensuring it stays fresh for future use.