Easy Dominican Spaghetti Recipe You Can Make Today

Dominican Spaghetti isn’t just pasta—it’s an experience. The secret? Loisa’s Sofrito Rojo, a game changer that packs depth, complexity, and umami notes into every bite.

This stewy, hearty sauce clings to pasta, building layers of flavor with chunky texture—so good, even my mother raved about it for days!

The magic doesn’t stop there. Olives and capers add briny sweetness, while a simmered tomato sauce lets all the flavors meld into something distinctly tantalizing. Want to level up? Toss in fried Dominican salami or queso frito for the ultimate comfort dish.

What makes this recipe special? It’s easy, family-friendly, and ready in 30 minutes. A splash of evaporated milk gives it a slight creaminess (skip if Vegan), but the real star is the sauce—rich, flavorful, and downright yummy.

If you’re by the beach or at the mesa, this dish is a go-to for satisfyingly tasty meals. Trust me, after one forkful, you’ll see why it’s my favorite twist on a pasta classic.

For a refreshing twist, try our spaghetti pasta salad recipe—perfect for summer gatherings. And if you’re craving comfort with a Southern kick, don’t miss our creamy Texas chicken spaghetti.

What Is Dominican Spaghetti?

Dominican Spaghetti is a vibrant twist on the classic pasta dish, where bold flavors and hearty textures take center stage. Unlike traditional Italian spaghetti, this version features a rich, tomato-based sauce deepened with sofrito—a fragrant blend of herbs, peppers, and garlic that gives it savory complexity.

The sauce clings to the pasta with a slightly stewy consistency, often enhanced by briny olives, capers, and sometimes fried Dominican salami for extra umami punch. What sets it apart is its subtle creaminess, often from a splash of evaporated milk, making each forkful irresistibly satisfying.

If served at a family mesa or enjoyed as a quick 30-minute meal, this dish is a tasty, easy celebration of Dominican cuisine—flavorful, comforting, and utterly delicious.

Ingredients

• Olive Oil

• Loisa’s Sofrito Rojo (or homemade sofrito)

• Onion

• Garlic

• Crushed Tomatoes (28 oz can)

• Tomato Paste

• Green Olives

• Capers

• Dried Oregano

• Black Pepper

• Sugar

• Vegetable Broth (or Water)

• Evaporated Milk (optional)

• Spaghetti

• Dominican Salami (fried cubes, optional)

• Queso Frito (fried cheese, optional)

• Cilantro or Parsley (for garnish)

Pro Tip: For a Vegan version, skip the evaporated milk and salami – the sofrito and briny olives still deliver amazing flavor depth! 

How to Make Dominican Spaghetti (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil (it should taste like the sea). Add 1 lb spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You want the pasta al dente – tender but still with a slight bite.

Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water – this golden liquid will help bind the sauce later. Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it, as the starch helps the sauce cling better.

2. Build the Flavor Foundation

In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add ½ cup sofrito (the flavor backbone of Dominican cooking), 1 finely diced onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves.

Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the mixture becomes incredibly fragrant. This step is crucial – you’re building layers of flavor that will carry through the entire dish.

3. Create the Signature Sauce

Stir in 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste (for concentrated flavor), ½ cup sliced green olives, 2 tbsp capers, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity).

Pour in ½ cup water or broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally – this slow cooking allows all the flavors to marry beautifully while the sauce reduces to the perfect consistency.

4. Perfect the Texture & Taste

After simmering, evaluate your sauce’s thickness. If it’s too dense, gradually add the reserved pasta water (start with ¼ cup). For that characteristic Dominican creaminess, stir in ¼ cup evaporated milk – it adds richness without making the sauce heavy.

Now’s the time to taste and adjust seasoning – you might need more salt, another pinch of sugar, or even a dash of olive brine from the jar for extra briny depth.

5. Bring It All Together

Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the sauce, tossing vigorously with tongs to coat every strand evenly. The pasta should glisten with sauce but not swim in it. If using, fold in ½ cup fried Dominican salami cubes and ½ cup queso frito (fried cheese) for authentic texture contrasts.

Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes off heat – this allows the spaghetti to absorb some sauce and the flavors to fully harmonize. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a bright finish.

Chef’s Secret: For maximum flavor, make the sauce a day ahead – the ingredients meld even better when refrigerated overnight, then gently reheated with the pasta.

Tips for Perfect Dominican Spaghetti

Achieving authentic Dominican Spaghetti requires attention to detail. First, don’t overcook the pasta—keep it al dente so it holds up to the hearty sauce. Second, simmer the sauce low and slow—this allows the sofrito and tomato base to develop deep, rich flavors.

Third, balance the acidity—if your tomatoes taste too sharp, add a pinch of sugar or a splash of evaporated milk to mellow it out. Finally, let the sauced pasta rest for 5 minutes before serving—this helps the spaghetti absorb the flavors fully. 

Variations You Can Try

This recipe is versatile—you can tweak it to suit different tastes. For a meatier version, add ground beef, shredded chicken, or shrimp while cooking the sauce. If you prefer extra veggies, toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.

For spice lovers, a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes adds heat. If you’re avoiding dairy, coconut milk makes a great vegan substitute for evaporated milk. Want it extra briny? Add a spoonful of olive brine for an intense flavor boost. 

What to Serve with Dominican Spaghetti

Dominican Spaghetti is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it right enhances the experience. Serve it with fried plantains (tostones or maduros) for a sweet contrast. A simple avocado salad or cucumber-tomato salad adds freshness.

For a heartier spread, include Dominican-style beans (habichuelas guisadas) or garlic bread. If you’re serving it at gatherings, fried cheese (queso frito) and yuca fries make excellent sides. Don’t forget a cold Morir Soñando (orange-milk drink) or passion fruit juice to balance the meal. 

How to Store and Reheat

Leftovers? No problem! Store cooled spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 1 month—just thaw overnight before reheating. To reheat, warm it in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Avoid the microwave if possible—it can make the pasta mushy. For best results, reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the flavors dull after storage, refresh them with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime. 

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