Food can tell stories, and few dishes capture this better than “The Bear” Spaghetti. Inspired by the viral show The Bear, this recipe is all about slow-simmered flavors, simple pantry ingredients, and a technique that elevates everyday pasta into something extraordinary. It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell amazing while still being approachable for beginner home cooks. After testing it myself, I can confirm—it’s as cozy and satisfying as it looks on screen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
“The Bear” Spaghetti isn’t just pasta—it’s an experience. Here’s why it’ll become one of your go-to dishes:
- Rich flavor: A tomato-butter sauce with garlic, basil, and onion creates depth without fuss.
- Beginner-friendly: Step-by-step instructions make this recipe achievable for all skill levels.
- Affordable ingredients: Everything is easy to find and budget-friendly.
- Restaurant feel at home: It tastes gourmet but comes together in your own kitchen.
The Story Behind “The Bear” Spaghetti
This dish rose to fame thanks to The Bear, but its roots run deeper. Here’s why it resonates:
- Built on Italian tradition of combining pasta with simple but high-quality ingredients.
- The buttery tomato sauce is a nod to classic Italian-American comfort cooking.
- The recipe honors patience in cooking—letting flavors infuse slowly for maximum payoff.
- It shows that sometimes, fewer ingredients lead to the most memorable meals.
Key Ingredients in “The Bear” Spaghetti
- Spaghetti (220g): Classic pasta base, perfect for soaking up rich tomato sauce.
- Olive oil (80ml): Used to infuse garlic, basil, and red pepper for a fragrant base.
- San Marzano tomatoes (400g can): Sweet, rich tomatoes form the sauce’s backbone.
- Onion (½ large yellow): Caramelizes in butter, adding depth and sweetness.
- Garlic (3 cloves): Brings bold, savory warmth to the sauce.
- Fresh basil (½ packet or 12g): Infuses herbal freshness into the oil and sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (½ tsp): Adds a gentle kick of spice.
- Butter (60g): Creates a velvety sauce with a nutty richness.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): A final garnish for salty, creamy balance.
How to Make “The Bear” Spaghetti
Follow these steps closely for the most authentic result:
- Infuse the oil: Add olive oil to a small saucepan. Smash and peel garlic, then add with basil leaves and red pepper flakes. Simmer over medium-low for 1–2 minutes until basil wilts. Remove from heat to infuse.
- Cook the pasta: Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water for later.
- Brown the onion: Slice the onion in half. In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter with a drizzle of oil. Place onion cut-side down and cook 8 minutes until golden and the butter browns.
- Build the tomato base: Add canned tomatoes to the pot. Break them up gently if whole. Bring to a boil, season with salt, then cover and simmer on low for 8 minutes.
- Combine sauces: Stir the infused basil oil into the tomato mixture. Add pasta water and simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes. Remove the onion halves.
- Blend the sauce: Use an immersion blender in the pot to create a silky, smooth sauce. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Toss and serve: Coat the spaghetti in the sauce, ensuring every strand is covered. Top with Parmesan and extra basil, if desired.
“The Bear” Spaghetti Tips and Twists
5 Tips:
- Always salt pasta water generously—it seasons the noodles.
- Smash garlic instead of mincing for gentler flavor infusion.
- Use San Marzano tomatoes for the best sauce body and sweetness.
- Blend sauce for a velvety finish, or leave it chunky if you prefer rustic.
- Taste sauce before serving—tomatoes vary in sweetness and acidity.
3 Twists:
- Add meatballs or sausage for extra protein.
- Toss in roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
Here’s how to keep your “The Bear” Spaghetti tasting fresh:
- Storage: Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan with a splash of water. Stir often to prevent sticking.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the sauce 1–2 days ahead, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This spaghetti is hearty on its own, but here’s how to turn it into a full spread:
- Pair with Grilled Vegetables for balance and freshness.
- Add Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese for a fun, cheesy side.
- Serve alongside a crisp salad like Cucumber Tomato Salad to lighten the meal.
- Finish with a sweet treat like Blueberry Bread Pudding for dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip blending the sauce? Yes, but blending makes it smoother and coats pasta better.
Do I need San Marzano tomatoes? They’re best, but any high-quality Italian tomatoes will work.
Can I make it vegetarian? It already is—just skip Parmesan for vegan.
How spicy is it? Mild. Adjust red pepper flakes to taste.
Can I double the recipe? Yes—just scale ingredients and use a larger pot.
Enjoy Your “The Bear” Spaghetti
Cooking “The Bear” Spaghetti is about more than following steps—it’s about slowing down and savoring the process. From the garlic-basil infused oil to the buttery tomato base, every detail creates a dish that feels like love on a plate. Whether you’re inspired by the show or simply craving comfort food, this pasta is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Explore More Recipes
Love this dish? Build your next menu with more comforting favorites. Try Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi for another Italian-inspired meal. For a lighter option, Simple Avocado Toast with Egg makes a refreshing side. When pasta night calls again, How to Make Carbone Spicy Rigatoni delivers bold flavors. And for dessert, Best Carrot Cake Cookies bring sweetness to round out the meal.
The Bear Spaghetti Recipe – Simple and Flavorful Pasta
Ingredients
- 220 g spaghetti
- 80 ml olive oil
- 1 400 g can San Marzano tomatoes or good Italian chopped tomatoes
- ½ large yellow onion
- ½ packet fresh basil leaves 12g
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 cloves garlic smashed and peeled
- 60 g butter
- Salt to taste
- Parmesan cheese grated, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a small saucepan. Add smashed garlic, basil leaves, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 1–2 minutes until basil wilts. Remove from heat and let infuse.
- Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- In a heavy pot, melt butter with a splash of oil. Place onion half cut-side down and cook 8 minutes until golden and butter is browned.
- Add canned tomatoes. Break them up gently if whole. Season with salt, cover, and simmer on low for 8 minutes.
- Stir in basil oil and reserved pasta water. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Remove onion halves.
- Blend sauce with immersion blender until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Toss spaghetti in sauce until evenly coated. Serve with Parmesan and fresh basil.
Notes
Calories: 480
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 320mg