Scarpariello Napoletano in 15 mins!
Spaghetti allo Scarpariello
A Quick Neapolitan Pasta Full of Flavor
Some Italian recipes prove that the simplest dishes are often the most satisfying. Spaghetti allo Scarpariello is one of those perfect examples — quick to prepare, built on just a few ingredients, and loved by everyone around the table.
This pasta has always held a special place in my heart. It was one of my father’s favourite dishes. I remember him asking my mum to make it on Sundays, smiling as he called it “sfizioso” — a cheeky treat. Simple, playful, and full of flavour.
The beauty of Scarpariello lies in its balance: bright tomato sauce, garlic, chilli, fresh basil and a generous mix of Pecorino and Parmigiano melted into the pasta.
If you're looking for something richer, you might also enjoy Bucatini al Cinghiale, a Tuscan classic with wild boar sausage and Pecorino di Pienza.
🕒 Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Serves: 4
Why Scarpariello Is So Popular
Scarpariello is a classic pasta from Naples, famous for its lively flavours and quick preparation.
The sauce is built on simple ingredients:
- garlic and chilli for aroma and heat
- tomato sauce for brightness and sweetness
- Pecorino and Parmigiano for depth and creaminess
- fresh basil for freshness
When the cheese melts into the sauce with a splash of pasta water, it creates a glossy coating that clings beautifully to the spaghetti.
Ingredients
From Our Kitchen to Yours
- 400 g Spaghetti
- 50 g Pecorino Romano, grated
- 50 g Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
- 330 g Cherry Tomato Sauce
From Your Pantry
- 2–3 garlic cloves, crushed or roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 chilli (or more, depending on your spice preference)
Equipment
Wide sauté pan
Large saucepan
Slotted spoon or pasta tongs
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. The Aromatic Awakening
Heat the olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat.
Add the garlic and chilli and cook gently for a couple of minutes until fragrant.
Add a small splash of water if needed to prevent the garlic from burning.
2. Tomatoes Take Centre Stage
Pour the cherry tomato sauce into the pan.
Tear in a few basil leaves and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Let the sauce cook for about 10 minutes over medium heat until slightly thickened.
Remember that the cheeses added later will also bring saltiness.
3. Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
4. Let the Dance Begin
Using a slotted spoon or pasta tongs, transfer the cooked pasta directly into the sauce.
Add a ladle of pasta cooking water and stir vigorously.
The starch from the pasta water helps create a silky sauce that coats every strand.
5. Finish with a Flourish
Add the grated Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano Reggiano.
Stir gently until the cheeses melt into the sauce.
Cover the pan and let the pasta rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Chef’s Tips
Use Fresh Tomatoes
You can replace the tomato sauce with fresh cherry tomatoes. Cutting them in half adds a brighter, fresher texture.
Adjust the Chilli
Add more chilli for a bolder dish or keep it mild depending on your taste.
Save the Pasta Water
A splash of pasta water helps the cheese and tomato sauce combine into a smooth, glossy coating.
A Little History
The name Scarpariello literally means “shoemaker style.”
According to Neapolitan tradition, this dish was created by shoemakers who needed a quick, satisfying meal during their work breaks. Using simple ingredients they already had — tomatoes, garlic, chilli, cheese and pasta — they created a dish that was fast, hearty and full of flavour.
Over time, Scarpariello became a beloved classic in Naples, celebrated for its juicy texture and bold taste.
Today it remains a perfect example of the Neapolitan philosophy of cooking: simple ingredients, treated with care, producing extraordinary flavour.
Bring Italy to Your Table
With just a few authentic ingredients and a quick cooking process, Spaghetti allo Scarpariello captures the spirit of Italian home cooking.
Fresh tomatoes, melted cheese, fragrant basil and perfectly cooked pasta — simple, satisfying, and impossible not to love.