This trick is simple, but oh-so-satisfying.
How to Open Spaghetti Bags Just Like an Italian Nonna
Updated on Oct. 07, 2024
Boxed pasta is a serious timesaver for weeknight dinners and comfort food emergencies. If you have a bag of spaghetti in your pantry, you’re just 30 minutes away from a scrumptious shrimp puttanesca or spaghetti with sausage and peppers. And while there isn’t exactly a wrong way to open a bag of pasta, we did learn an extra-delightful method this week, courtesy of a TikTok-famous Italian Nonna named Elda (@nonna.elda.cooks).
In the video, Nonna Elda’s method provokes an audible gasp from her grandchild Alessandra behind the camera. Check out Nonna Elda’s surprising spaghetti bag opening trick for yourself below.
@nonna.elda.cooks SPAGHETTI #Nonna #Italianfood #italiancanadian #nonnacooks #Toronto #cook #spaghetti #pastatiktok #pasta #learntocook #simplerecipes #food #italians ♬ original sound – Elda & Alessandra
In the video, Nonna Elda starts by instructing, “You never cut the spaghetti with scissors.” Then, she proceeds to hold the spaghetti bag in the middle and slam one end onto her kitchen counter. Much like opening a straw, the non-slammed end of the spaghetti is then pushed up through the packaging at the top, breaking the plastic and exposing the spaghetti to be poured into the prepped boiling water. So easy, and no special materials are needed! However, this method will only work for long pasta types, such as spaghetti, linguini, fettuccine, or angel hair pastas.
Does Nonna’s Spaghetti Bag Trick Work for Boxes?
Now, not all spaghetti comes in bags, so you may be curious if this trick works with boxes. According to the comments, it seems like it does not (unless your Nonna is supernaturally strong!). But fortunately, those little box closure tabs are easy enough, if less impressive, for closing your pasta.
Also, know what to add to spaghetti sauce make it taste homemade.
Best Spaghetti Recipes
Now that your spaghetti bag is open and ready to go, it’s time to break out your favorite pasta recipes. For inspiration, be sure to check out these favorites:
- Baked Spaghetti
- Pesto Shrimp Pasta
- Monterey Spaghetti
- Mushroom Turkey Tetrazzini
- Florentine Spaghetti Bake
They are filling, simple and offer plenty of variety to keep your weeknight dinners fresh and exciting. Mangia, mangia!
Fork-Twirling Good Spaghetti Recipes
Broccoli Beef Lo MeinMy family loves pasta, but I'm always looking for different ways to prepare it. This dish is better than any Chinese restaurant variety I've tried.—Joan Crandall, Burlington, Connecticut
Pork Chops and SpaghettiThe moist chops simmer to perfection in a tangy sauce, then are served over pasta. This was one of my mother's most-loved recipes. —Ellen Gallavan, Midland, Michigan
Shrimp Pesto PastaA dash of red pepper puts zip in this lively main dish. —Gloria Jones Grenga, Newnan, Georgia
Ground Beef Spaghetti SkilletI remember my grandma making this stovetop supper many times—we always loved Granny’s spaghetti! My husband and I now enjoy making this for our dinner. You can easily use ground turkey instead of ground beef if that’s what you happen to have on hand. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana
Quick and Simple MeatballsKeep a batch of these meatballs in your freezer for an easy weeknight meal. This simple meatball recipe can be used for pizzas, sub sandwiches, in soups and more. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Monterey SpaghettiI'm a working mother with two young boys. Our family leads a very active life, so I make a lot of casseroles. It's so nice to have a hearty side dish the kids will eat. Topped with cheese and french-fried onions, this tasty spaghetti casserole recipe is a hit at our house. —Janet Hibler, Cameron, Missouri
Bacon PastaThis bacon pasta recipe is a simple, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknight meals. Combining crispy bacon with a slow-simmered tomato sauce and al dente spaghetti, it’s a comfort food classic.
Shrimp PuttanescaOur 30-minute shrimp puttanesca recipe features a fiery mix of olives, capers, and garlic. It doesn't just show up—it demands your attention.
Grandma’s Cajun Chicken & SpaghettiI’m originally from Louisiana, where my grandma spoke Cajun French as she taught me her spicy chicken spaghetti. —Brenda Melancon, McComb, Mississippi
Florentine Spaghetti BakeThis hearty sausage entree will appeal to just about everyone. My daughter serves it often to her hardworking family on their wheat ranch in Montana. —Lorraine Martin, Lincoln, California
Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato SauceWhen my mom made this spaghetti sauce, the house would smell so good that I'd open the windows to torture the neighbors. It even tastes wonderful the next day, when the flavors have really melded. —Vera Schulze, Holbrook, New York
Spaghetti with Sausage and PeppersSmoked turkey sausage with strips of fresh bell peppers is a healthy change of pace from Italian sausage or ground beef in your spaghetti. —Ginger Harrell, El Dorado, Arkansas
Four-Cheese Chicken FettuccineAs a cattle rancher, my husband's a big fan of beef. For him to comment on a poultry dish is rare. But he always tells me, "I love this casserole!" I first tasted it at a potluck; now, I fix it for my family (we have a 3-year-old daughter) once or twice a month, and I'm asked to take it to most every get-together. —Rochelle Brownlee, Big Timber, Montana
Rustic Summer Vegetable PastaMy veggie pasta proves you can’t have too much of a good thing. Feel free to change it up with whatever fresh veggies are in the garden or farmers market. —Bryn Namavari, Chicago, Illinois
Grecian Pasta & Chicken SkilletWe love a homemade meal at the end of the day. But the prep involved? Not so much. My Greek-inspired pasta is lemony, herby and, thankfully, easy. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
CarbonaraThe magic of this traditional carbonara recipe comes from the balance of textures—crisp pancetta, silky eggs and creamy cheese—all combined to coat the pasta as an irresistibly smooth sauce.
Church Supper SpaghettiBecause this recipe feeds so many, I often take it to church dinners and potlucks. This colorful dish also comes in handy when we have lots of help to feed on our farm. —Verlyn Wilson, Wilkinson, Indiana
Nana's Italian RouladeMy great-aunt from Sicily taught my mother how to stuff and bake a steak in a jelly-roll style. It’s unique and really special in our family. —Roseanne McDonald, Days Creek, Oregon
Bruschetta-Topped Chicken & SpaghettiI'm always on the lookout for healthy recipes for my family. If you find yourself craving Italian food, this delicious 30-minute meal hits the spot. —Susan Wholley, Fairfield, Connecticut
Spaghetti SauceThis homemade spaghetti sauce is loaded with sausage and beef and generously flavored with garlic and herbs. Using a slow cooker melds the flavors while you go about your day.
Mozzarella Baked SpaghettiThis satisfying easy baked spaghetti recipe comes together and will please everyone at your table. Add a salad and breadsticks, and dinner's done. —Betty Rabe, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Rosemary Shrimp with SpaghettiI came up with this recipe on a busy weeknight when I was pressed for time. Now it’s my go-to dish whenever I need a quick, nutritious meal. Serve this with garlic bread so you can scoop every last bit of goodness off your plate! —Candace Havely, Sterling, Colorado
One-Pot Spaghetti DinnerAll you need is one pot to make this meal that features a simple homemade sauce. Allspice adds a unique taste, but you can use Italian seasoning if you prefer. —Carol Benzel-Schmidt, Stanwood, Washington
Southwestern SpaghettiChili powder and cumin give a mild Mexican flavor to this colorful one-skillet supper. With chunks of fresh zucchini, it's a nice change of pace from typical spaghetti dishes. —Beth Coffee, Hartford City, Indiana
Slow-Cooker Spaghetti and MeatballsLow-and-slow cooking is the key to achieving tender, flavorful meatballs in this slow-cooker spaghetti and meatballs recipe. Make homemade meatballs, or swap in store-bought frozen meatballs if you're running short on time.
Mushroom Turkey TetrazziniThis creamy, comforting casserole makes a fantastic way to use up that leftover Thanksgiving turkey. And it’s a real family-pleaser! —Linda Howe, Lisle, Illinois.
Taco SpaghettiThis simple, kid-friendly taco spaghetti casserole is a perfect mashup of two favorites, and the cheesy goodness is ready in less than an hour!
Spinach-Beef Spaghetti PieWith its angel hair pasta crust, this cheesy ground beef, tomato and spinach pie is always a hit when I serve it. Each neat slice has layers of pasta, cream cheese filling and spinach topping. —Carol Hicks
Pensacola, Florida
Rich Baked SpaghettiIt takes a little longer to make baked spaghetti, but the difference in taste, texture and richness is well worth the time. I serve this lasagna-style dish with a tossed green salad and breadsticks for a hearty, healthy meal. —Betty Rabe, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Hearty Garden SpaghettiMy husband and I wanted a pleasing dish that didn’t leave a ton of leftovers. My spaghetti with beef and fresh veggies is perfectly filling for four. —Wanda Quist, Loveland, Colorado
Italian Spaghetti with Chicken & Roasted VegetablesWhen I get a craving for homemade tomato sauce, I make a zesty batch to toss with chicken and veggies. The flavors do wonders for penne, too. —Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, Maryland
Spaghetti & Meatball Skillet SupperI developed this one-skillet spaghetti and meatball dish to cut down on cooking time on busy nights. The beans, artichokes and tomatoes bump up the nutrition factor, while the lemon and parsley make it pop with brightness. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Chicken & Cheese Noodle BakeThis is the recipe my daughters and I often make for new parents when they come home from the hospital. With its creamy spaghetti filling and melted cheese topping, this casserole holds a nice cut and comforts hungry tummies. —Fancheon Resler, Bluffton, Indiana
Beef Lo MeinThis simple beef lo mein is easy to toss together with the veggies you have on hand. And since it uses spaghetti, you won't have to go searching for special noodles.
Thai Noodle SaladThis Thai Noodle Salad recipe takes inspiration from pad thai but uses whole wheat spaghetti, cooked chicken and peanut sauce instead of rice noodles, shrimp and tamarind. It's a great option for a vegetable-heavy meal in a bowl and is perfect for using leftover protein.
Remember to make enough pasta to have mountains of leftovers for the week. And explore how to freeze cooked pasta to enjoy it for days to come!
