National Spaghetti Day

National Spaghetti Day is finally here! OK, fine, you might not have been aware that is was coming, but now that you are, it's time to learn about this food-tastic day and celebrate with a big bowl of pasta.

National Spaghetti Day facts

The National Pasta Association found that spaghetti is America's favorite pasta, with 32 percent of people liking it more than penne or bowtie pasta. According to Punchbowl, 1.3 million pounds of spaghetti were sold in U.S. grocery stores in 2000. That's enough packages of spaghetti to circle the earth nine times when lined up. And that translates into a lot of carbs!

Mix it up! Make spaghetti tacos your kids' favorite meal! >>

Spaghetti dinner

Spaghetti is delicious! If you're looking for something a little fancier than a plain bowl of pasta with a jar of sauce, you can try one of the following spaghetti recipes in honor of National Spaghetti Day.

• Spaghetti alla carbonara: All you need is a little cheese, some bacon grease and egg whites to make a delicious and rich pasta sauce.
• Spaghetti squash recipe: Spaghetti is sooo good, but if you're watching your diet in the New Year, you can cut down on calories and carbs with this spaghetti alternative.
• Spaghetti frittata recipe: Create a frittata from pasta! Mix up your traditional spaghetti dinner with this fun spaghetti recipe.
• Spaghetti casserole: Spaghetti can serve as the base of a very reasonable meal and this spaghetti casserole does just that.
• Greek spaghetti with feta: Think spaghetti is an Italian meal? Thank again! Put a twist on the traditional pasta dish.

Spaghetti and spinach pesto recipe

Candice Kumai, the pasta ambassador chef for the National Pasta Association (NPA), created this fabulous spaghetti and spinach pesto recipe so you can celebrate National Spaghetti Day! It has 325 calories, 11 grams of fat, 45 grams of carbohydrates, 12 grams of protein and 420 milligrams of sodium per serving -- not bad for spaghetti!

Serves 8

Ingredients:

• 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and well drained
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 tablespoons margarine or butter
• 1/3 cup water
• 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese

Directions:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine the spinach, oil, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, garlic and salt. Mix these ingredients at medium speed until finely chopped.
2. Melt margarine (or butter) in water.
3. With the blender or processor running, slowly pour in the melted margarine mixture until it's blended.
4. Prepare spaghetti pasta according to package directions. Drain it and set aside.
5. Toss pesto with the pasta, sprinkle feta on top and serve.

More spaghetti recipes

Spaghetti tacos recipe
Spaghetti with white clam sauce
Fig and walnut spaghetti