Spaghetti all’Assassina Recipe – Spicy Charred Pasta – Bianca Zapatka

Original Italian Recipe for Spaghetti all’Assassina – the legendary, fiery “Killer Spaghetti” from Bari, Apulia. Learn how to make this Authentic crispy and spicy charred pasta cooked right in the pan.

Spaghetti all’Assassina – The Original Recipe from Bari, Italy

Crispy, spicy, and devilishly delicious! The iconic Spaghetti all’Assassina – or “Killer Spaghetti” – is a beloved dish from Bari in Southern Italy (Apulia). What makes it unique? The pasta is cooked raw in the pan, not boiled first, and simmered directly in a rich tomato broth. This method gives it a crispy, caramelized texture on the outside and a perfect al dente bite inside.

This authentic recipe brings the bold, spicy flavors of southern Italy straight to your plate – fiery, intense, and unlike any other pasta you’ve ever tasted.

The Story Behind Spaghetti all’Assassina

Suppoesedly, spaghetti all’Assassina was invented in the 1960s at the restaurant Al Sorso Preferito in Bari. Legend says the chef wanted to reinvent pasta and ended up “killing” it with fire and chili. The result? A dish so spicy and flavorful it earned the name “Assassina” – the killer spaghetti.

The name doesn’t refer to murder, of course – it’s about the deadly heat and dangerously good flavor!

What Makes This Recipe So Special

Unlike traditional pasta recipes, Spaghetti all’Assassina is not pre-boiled. Instead, it’s pan-fried raw and cooked slowly in tomato broth using a technique called “risottata di pasta” – like making a risotto, but with spaghetti!

The result is a rustic, crispy, and deeply flavorful pasta dish with real street food charm from Bari.

Ingredients

• spaghetti
• Passata (tomato puree)
• Tomato paste
• Garlic
• Dried chili pepper
• Salt
• olive oil
• Fresh basil (optional)

How to Make Spaghetti all’Assassina – Step by Step

(Scroll down for the full printable recipe with exact measurements and a recipe video!)

Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Broth

Heat water in a pot, add tomato paste and salt, and bring to a boil. Keep warm on low heat.

Step 2: Make the Flavor Base and Cook the Spaghetti

In a large pan, heat the olive oil. Add garlic and chili and sauté briefly until fragrant. Deglaze with the passata and let it simmer slightly. Add the raw spaghetti directly to the pan and fry for 3-4 minutes until some parts turn dark brown and crispy.
👉🏻 This step is crucial – it gives the dish its signature Assassina flavor. Then flip and caramelize for another 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Cook in Tomato Broth

Add a small amount of the hot tomato broth (just enough to cover the bottom of the pan). Let it absorb before adding more, like when cooking risotto. Continue for about 15-20 minutes until the spaghetti is al dente, crispy on the outside and tender inside. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately while hot.

Serving suggestions

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil.
• Skip the Parmesan! The beauty of this dish is in the roasted, spicy tomato flavor.
• Pair it with a bold red wine from Apulia – such as Primitivo or Negroamaro.

💡 Tips for Perfect Spaghetti all’Assassina

• Use a cast iron or stainless steel pan, not non-stick.
• Add the broth gradually to allow caramelization.
• Love it extra hot? Add fresh chili peppers or a drizzle of chili oil.
• The pasta should look slightly charred at the end – that’s the authentic touch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 100% authentic from Bari, Apulia
• Simple ingredients, maximum flavor
• Crispy, spicy, and full of character
• Perfect for true Italian food lovers

❓ FAQ – Spaghetti all’Assassina (Killer Spaghetti)

What is Spaghetti all’Assassina?
It’s a crispy and spicy pasta dish from Bari, Italy. The spaghetti is pan-fried raw and cooked in a tomato broth until caramelized and perfectly al dente – bold, fiery, and full of flavor.

Why is it called “Killer Spaghetti”?
The name refers to the dish’s intense heat and rich, roasted tomato flavor – not to anything sinister! It’s “killer” because it’s dangerously delicious.

Is this the authentic Italian recipe?
Yes! This version follows the traditional Bari-style method using the risottata di pasta technique – no pre-boiling, just pure southern Italian flavor.

Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely. Use fewer chili flakes for a milder version, or add fresh chili or chili oil for extra heat.

Is this dish vegan?
Yes! Spaghetti all’Assassina is vegan, as it only contains pasta, tomatoes, garlic, chili, and olive oil.

How long does spaghetti all’Assassina last?
It tastes best when freshly prepared – straight from the pan, served hot. If there are any leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Reheat them briefly in the pan with a little water or tomato broth. Note: When reheated, they lose some of their crispiness, but remain wonderfully flavorful!

👉🏻 Check out more authentic Italian vegan pasta recipes like:

Recipe video

If you try this Spaghetti all’Assassina recipe, leave a comment and star rating below! And if you share your killer pasta on Instagram or Facebook tag me @biancazapatka and use #biancazapatka – I love seeing your creations. Buon appetite! 🇮🇹

IF YOU HAVE PINTEREST, YOU CAN FIND ME HERE AND PIN THE FOLLOWING PICTURE, IF YOU LIKE! 🙂