If you’ve watched the hit series “The Bear,” you already know the scene: steaming hot spaghetti, rich with tomato sauce, garlic, olive oil, and just the right sprinkle of Parmesan. That’s where the inspiration for The Bear Spaghetti recipe comes from—a dish that’s simple, soulful, and deeply comforting. The Bear Spaghetti isn’t about complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s about classic flavors done right, with a sauce that clings to every strand of pasta and a balance of savory, tangy, and aromatic notes.

This recipe celebrates everything we love about homemade Italian cooking. It’s built on a base of onions, garlic, and tomatoes simmered until thick and flavorful. A dash of red pepper flakes gives it warmth, while fresh basil and parsley add a bright finish. Best of all, it’s versatile—you can serve it plain for a vegetarian-friendly dinner, or add meatballs, sausage, or even roasted vegetables.

Perfect for weeknights, dinner parties, or lazy Sundays, The Bear Spaghetti is a meal that satisfies with every bite. Whether you’re a fan of the show or just love classic Italian food, this recipe brings restaurant-level comfort straight to your table.

What Makes This The Bear Spaghetti Special?

Inspired by the series “The Bear”: This isn’t just another spaghetti recipe—it captures the comforting simplicity from the show.
Rich homemade tomato sauce: Made with canned tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs for deep flavor.
Flexible and adaptable: Keep it vegetarian or add meat, seafood, or roasted vegetables.
Quick weeknight-friendly: Ready in about 40 minutes, yet tastes like it simmered all day.
Comfort food at its best: Every bite feels like a warm hug, perfect for family-style dining.

Tip: Make the sauce ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve. The flavors get even better the next day.

Ingredient Notes

Spaghetti: Use classic durum wheat pasta. Whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti also works.
Olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds depth and richness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for that bold, aromatic flavor.
Onion: Yellow or white onion builds the base sweetness of the sauce.
Canned tomatoes: Use whole San Marzano tomatoes if possible for authentic flavor. Crushed tomatoes are a good substitute.
Tomato paste: Adds thickness and a more intense tomato taste.
Fresh basil & parsley: Brighten and balance the richness of the sauce. If you don’t have fresh, dried herbs work in smaller amounts.
Red pepper flakes: For a subtle heat that wakes up the sauce. Skip if you want it mild.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan makes all the difference. Pecorino Romano is a great swap.
Optional protein: Italian sausage, ground beef, or turkey can be browned and added to the sauce.

How To Make The Bear Spaghetti

Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Start the sauce base
- In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent (5 minutes).
Add garlic and seasoning
- Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn the garlic).
Tomatoes and paste
- Add 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Pour in 1 large can (28 oz) of crushed or whole peeled tomatoes (crush them with a spoon if whole).
Simmer
- Season with salt and pepper. Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if it gets too thick.
Finish with herbs and cheese
- Stir in fresh basil and parsley at the end. Toss in the cooked spaghetti, coating every strand in sauce. Add more pasta water if needed.
Serve
- Plate the spaghetti and top with freshly grated Parmesan. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil before serving.

Storage Options

Room temperature: Leftovers should not sit out longer than 2 hours.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze sauce separately in containers for up to 3 months. Cooked pasta does not freeze as well.
Reheating: Reheat sauce on the stove and toss with freshly cooked pasta for best texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Add meatballs or sausage for a heartier dish.
Use zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta for a lighter option.
Stir in roasted vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Add seafood like shrimp for a coastal Italian twist.
For a creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or ricotta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to peel and cook them longer for the same richness.
How do I keep spaghetti from sticking?
Stir during the first 2 minutes of cooking and always salt the water.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce tastes even better the next day. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
What’s the best pasta shape if I don’t have spaghetti?
Linguine, fettuccine, or even rigatoni work well with this sauce.
Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, just skip the cheese or use a vegan Parmesan alternative.
Why save pasta water?
The starchy water helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.

Conclusion

The Bear Spaghetti is more than just pasta—it’s a comforting, nostalgic, and flavorful recipe that brings people together. With a simple homemade sauce, easy steps, and plenty of room for creativity, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Try it tonight, share it with family or friends, and let me know how you make it your own.

The Bear Spaghetti Recipe: A Comforting Pasta Inspired by the Show

Print Recipe

Author: Elysia Rowan
Prep Time: 10min
Cook Time: 30min
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz spaghetti
3 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
Salt and pepper, to taste
Pinch red pepper flakes
Fresh basil and parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve pasta water.
Heat olive oil, sauté onion until soft.
Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cook briefly.
Stir in tomato paste, then add tomatoes. Simmer 20 minutes.
Toss pasta with sauce, adding pasta water as needed.
Finish with herbs and Parmesan. Serve hot.

Notes

Use San Marzano tomatoes for best flavor.
Sauce can be made ahead and stored.
Add meatballs, sausage, or veggies for variations.

Nutrition

Calories: 420
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 62g
Protein: 13g