Beef Stew

Everyone loves spaghetti for dinner. It's one of those wonderful comfort foods like macaroni and cheese, chicken noodle soup and beef stew. However, sometimes we may get a bit bored with just plain spaghetti. Here are some tips to take ordinary spaghetti to something new and different.

1. Add vegetables. Not only do they add texture, they also add flavor. Vegetables can be added raw and cooked in the sauce or saute ahead of time. This is also a great way to use leftover veggies. Some popular spaghetti additions can include: mushrooms, artichokes, onions, green peppers, zucchini and eggplant.

Beef Stew

2. Use different types of pasta There are many different types of pasta that make it fun to eat, and this is especially fun for children. A few interesting pasta shapes to try are gemelli, farfalle and rotini.

3. Add meat. Meatballs are not the only go with in spaghetti. Other meats will also add flavor. Try cooked chicken, sausage, bacon or pepperoni in the sauce.

4. Spice it up. A sprinkle of hot pepper flakes is all it takes to add some fire to spaghetti. Add more or less according to taste.

5. Serve it differently. Changing the way food is served can make it more appealing and appetizing. Plate the spaghetti on a special platter or casserole dish. Top with sauce and it is ready for the table.

6. Add cheese. Freshly grated cheese can make the dish. Parmesan and romano are the most popular, but pecorino and asiago are delicious also.

7. Try a new sauce Experiment with different recipes until you find a few favorites. Alfredo and Vodka sauces are easy and delicious.

8. Make it fancy with shellfish. Shrimp, scallops, clams or crab can be added to the sauce toward the end of cooking time with little or no preparation.

9. Add texture. Turn a plain tomato sauce into a creamy, rich sauce with the addition of a little cream or half and half. Start with 1/2 a cup and adjust to taste.

10. Pour in some wine. Adding 1/2 cup of red wine to the sauce will add a rich flavor to either homemade or jarred sauce. Simmer at least 10 minutes to cook out the alcohol and never use cooking wine. A good quality wine is preferred as the flavor will transfer to the dish.

Have fun and experiment dressing up YOUR spaghetti!

10 Tips For Dressing Up Spaghetti For Dinner

Mary Crowther is a writer and webmaster. To learn more about family traditions visit her successful website FavoriteTraditions.com

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