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.
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.
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:
This yummy baked spaghetti casserole will be requested again and again for potlucks and family gatherings. It's especially popular with my grandchildren, who just love baked spaghetti with all the cheese. —Louise Miller, Westminster, Maryland
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My 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
The 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
I 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
One of my favorite childhood memories is going to the Old Spaghetti Factory with my family and ordering a big plate of cheesy spaghetti, meatballs and garlic bread. My homemade recipe reminds me of those fun times and satisfies everyone's craving for good Italian food. —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona
I'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
As children, we always requested this dish for our birthday dinners. Our mother got the recipe from her grandmother. Now I pass on our tasty tradition. —Ruth Keogh, North St. Paul, Minnesota
I’m originally from Louisiana, where my grandma spoke Cajun French as she taught me her spicy chicken spaghetti. —Brenda Melancon, McComb, Mississippi
This 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
When 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
Smoked 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
Convenient canned soup and process American cheese hurry along the assembly of this creamy sauce loaded with delicious chunks of chicken. —Melissa Cowser, Greenville, Texas
The idea for this recipe came to me when I saw someone dip a slice of pizza into a pasta dish. My wife and kids love it, and so do my friends! —Robert Smith, Las Vegas, Nevada
My 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
Seafood is very popular in my state. I altered this recipe several times and now it's truly a family favorite. —Teresa Hildreth, Stoneville, North Carolina
We 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
Carbonara is a dinnertime classic, but my version cuts down on the time it takes to make. Loaded with ham, bacon, olives, garlic and Parmesan, it certainly doesn't skimp on flavor. —Carole Martin, Tallahassee, Florida
Because 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
My 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
I'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
My father is very opinionated, especially about food. This recipe received his almost unreachable stamp of approval. I have yet to hear a disagreement from anyone who has tried it! —Melissa Taylor, Higley, Arizona
This 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
I 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
Mamma mia! What’s the secret to this one-pot spaghetti? A homemade jar sauce and a one-pot cooking method makes this family favorite recipe quick and delicious. —Carol Benzel-Schmidt, Stanwood, Washington
Chili 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
I’ve been cooking for 50 years, and this dish is still one that guests request frequently. It is my No. 1 standby recipe and also makes amazing meatball sandwiches. The sauce works for any type of pasta. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
This 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.
I came up with this kid-friendly taco spaghetti recipe one afternoon when I was using up leftover spaghetti and ground beef. When I'm lucky enough to have extra time, I make two batches and freeze one. —Johanna Van Ness, Wichita, Kansas
With 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
It 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
My 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
When 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
I 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
This is my favorite meal to make when I'm short on time. You can also use different meats or vegetables depending on what you have on hand. —Sharon Gerst, North Liberty, Iowa.
This 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
If you like a good stir-fry, this beef and spinach lo mein will definitely satisfy. I discovered the recipe at an international luncheon, and it's now a favorite go-to meal. —Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, Ohio
I combined several recipes to come up with my healthier twist on traditional pad thai. My version has only one-third the sodium of frozen versions you find in the store. —Beth Dauenhauer, Pueblo, Colorado
Van Van Cleave (they/them) is a writer and artist working out of Oakland, CA. The youngest in a long line of DIYers and creatives, Van fancies themself an encyclopedia of practicable knowledge for better living. They are passionate about all things food, home, garden, and lifestyle. If you've ever dreamed of befriending the Fab Five, Van gets you, and may just be the next best thing.
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