On Sunday night, Adam made me his famous spaghetti! I love a boy that can cook. I also love a boy that greets me at the door with a glass of Cabernet, music on and candles lit.
If any guys actually read this blog, here this now: Most girls would rather have their man cook for them than go out to some fancy schmancy restaurant with too many forks on the table. (I never know which one to use?) It’s a surefire way to get out of the doghouse (not that Adam was in the doghouse) and make your wife, girlfriend, friend, sister, mom (!!) feel extra special.
Why? Because a homecooked meal is love. Plain and simple.
Plus, food always tastes better when someone else makes it for you.
And that’s definitely the case with this spaghetti! Spaghetti just isn’t one of those things I cook myself. I mean, I guess I know how to and while there is a recipe for amazing homemade spaghetti sauce in my book, it’s my mom’s not mine. Don’t be fooled!
So, while I didn’t cook this spaghetti myself, I did what any food-obsessed-control-freak would do and anxiously peered over my handsome date’s shoulder while he cooked it.
“Are you sure you don’t want to add any onions? What about the garlic? Maybe a splash more wine?” I paced around the kitchen, feeling utterly useless without a spatula in my hand.
Adam just smiled. “Jenna, why don’t you go pick some rosemary from the garden?”
I got the hint and scampered away to the “garden”, which consists of a large rosemary bush, some swiss chard and my dying pea plant. When I got back, somehow everything was miraculously done and all I could do take a seat and sip my wine in awe.
The guy can cook.
Adam’s Spaghetti
serves 4
Ingredients:
8 oz spaghetti noodles
8 oz sliced mushrooms
1 large jar of your favorite marinara sauce (we used Whole Foods sauce with mushrooms)
1 lb ground turkey
1/4 cup red wine
2 T olive oil, divided
1 link hot italian chicken sausage (my addition, but a very worthy one!)
1 T fresh minced rosemary
salt to taste
Directions:
Heat up one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and wine and saute briefly (only about a minute) until just tender. Remove and place mushrooms in a bowl.
Add ground turkey and sausage (remove sausage from casing and crumble in) to pan and brown meat. If your meat is extra lean (like ours), add in a tablespoon of olive oil. Then, add back in the mushrooms along with the sauce, along with the rosemary and salt to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for about ten-fifteen minutes.
Cook pasta in boiling salted water and top individual portions with the spaghetti sauce.
Time:
30 minutes
p.s.–the winners of the Amazon gift card giveaway are Caitlyn (comment number 112) and Melissa! Shoot me an email girls and I’ll get your gift cards to you straight away!
{ 104 comments… read them below or add one }
there’s something totally down-home and perfect about homemade spaghetti. when we go to restaurants i can take it or leave it. but homemade? i’ll eat it every day for dinner!
good job adam!
yum – looks good! It’s so nice when your guy cooks for you! My husband is excellent at breakfast, but that’s about it! So sweet! xoxo from Trinidad
The day that my boyfriend makes spaghetti like this for me is the day I will get down on one knee.
The sauce makes the spaghetti. Chunky mushrooms and a rich tomato sauce with ground turkey is perfect.
Ditto! Lol.
You trained him right! Yum!!!!
Wow, Adam is a whiz in the kitchen! Spaghetti in marinara sauce is one of favorites, add in some turkey and I think even I would have fallen in love with the boy!
I totally agree that I’d rather a guy make me dinner than take me out for a fancy one!! Any boy that makes me this would definitely be in the good books!
Preach it, sister! Now if I can only find a way to have my husband inadvertently read this post…
Yummm — you’ve definitely got a keeper.
What a sweet gesture and a good-lookin’ meal. That Adam’s a catch!
That ends up being me at times, too! “Just go pick the herbs.” And then I always come back in with herbs in hand and asking, “Why don’t we give bouquets of herbs? They smell so amazing.”
Girl, you have it good! My husband’s extent of cooking is Annie’s Mac and Cheese. Still love him but, he just doesn’t have the cooking gene!
You are so, so right! A meal on the table, made by the guy, is so much more romantic than any night out would ever be.
Looks fabulous!
I wholeheartedly agree on the home-cooked meal versus the fancy schmancy dinner! That was so incredibly sweet of Adam and it looks absolutely delicious! (give him a high five for me, will ya?
)
What a sweet boy! While my darling husband doesn’t make dinner for me often (ever?). He can make an amazing breakfast, and frequently has a special fancy treat made for me when I return from a long run on Saturday mornings. A man who can bake might just be better than a man who can cook.
Sometimes there is something to be said for simplicity. Good job Adam!
My husband would flip over this spaghetti- turkey & sausage? Yeah, he’d like that. And I hope you know how lucky you are to have a man that can cook.
it’s 8 am and I’m dying for some spaghetti! this looks amazing! i love the use of sausage and turkey! how flavorful!
Ultimate comfort food! love this recipe. The turkey and chicken sausage is a really yummy idea
Jenna, what an adorable shirt and an all-around great casual look!
I love tomato sauce. It’s so fun experimenting with different ingredients!
I read it and I’ve made some things too bit I’m sorry, sauce from a jar when tomatoes are in season is totally lame.
I have to say, totally right. It would have been better with real tomatoes and not much longer !
Being another Adam and also from NJ, I don’t want to clone in, but I totally agree.
Adam may have great taste in girlfriends, but doctoring up a jar of sauce is nothing to publicly laud.
You are very sweet to acknowledge his labor in the kitchen, and this lack of pretension is endearing.
But spaghetti with a jar of sauce is pretty rudimentary.
This is absolutely hilarious.
I know I should make sauce from scratch. But I’m addicted to the jarred sauces – and its convenience…and I buy all-natural, no added sugars…that counts right?
Adam in NJ (and the other Adam too)…you should let us all know how awesome your spaghetti comes out when you make it for your girlfriend tonight with the freshly picked tomatoes. don’t be lame.
Wow, I’m super glad I’m not in a relationship with you! I hope a gal never bothers to cook you a meal if she uses jarred sauce!! Seems like you would just call it lame instead of appreciating the thought and love behind it.
ps to all the men reading: I think ALL women would appreciate a home cooked meal, whether its from scratch or not! And if they didn’t… that’s THEIR problem.
I think (the other) Adam’s point is valid when tomatoes are in season. Regardless, this is a year round cooking blog..and if you or your love is hungry for spaghetti on a snow day…well you’ll make do and do the best you can!
Many people are going hungry tonight and other nights for dinner. I grew up in a low income household where that was the case. Just do the best you can with what you have – nevertheless to turn into a pretentious diner. I wouldn’t expect less from a tri state diner.
I agree with Ana!
This looks delicious! And I definitely agree on having dinner at home vs. dinner out!
I am a vegetarian and my boyfriend is not yet he has delicious vegetarian dinners made for the both of us most days of the week. Jenna’s right, that’s love!
This looks absolutely delish! That was soooo sweet of your beau
This was the first meal my now husband made for me when we started dating…I completely agree that having someone cook for you is much better than going out for a meal!
How sweet! I love that he made you dinner.
If there is one thing I want most in this world, it is for my honey to make me dinner! I’ve even offered to teach him how to make spaghetti (even if the sauce comes from a jar!!) and told him how many brownie points he would get for doing it, but I’ve gotten nothing yet!
Sounds like you’ve got a wonderful man
Any chance you could hack my boyfriend’s computer and have this web page open on his browser?
I find myself doing the same thing when my roommates cook, and then I catch myself and take a seat. I just like to ‘make sure’ everything will come out right (even if I’m not the one eating it haha!). Your lucky you have such a talented cook as a boyfriend, not many people out there can say the same!
There’s nothing better than a home cooked meal from someone you love
You have a herb garden? Jealous!
Chicken sausage makes an spaghetti dish if you ask me!! Awesome addition! And kudos to Adam for his killer pasta meal!
that.looks.so.good.
I can’t wait to carbo-load soon!!!
Platter looks so yum
and ya u right food always tastes good when prepared by some one else
Now I’m totally craving some pasta! That looks awesome!
yum! i might try this tonight, i love spaghetti. my very favorite meal.
Homemade food DOES equal love, absolutely.
This looks and sounds so delicious! What a lucky gal you are
And I definitely agree, there’s nothing better than a man who can cook for you!
I love spaghetti, especially with sausage! Well done, Adam!
What a nice guy. And the spaghetti looks delicious!
I LOVE your style!!! <3 where did you buy that lovely tshirt???
i tell you a secret: you even inspired me to buy a necklace from anthropologie – i really loved your recent outfit with the purple skirt and the simple grey shirt … so cute and stylish
greetings from europe
barbara (your fan)
p.s. the food looks amazing as well
It’s from my good friend’s online store! You can find it here: http://www.forestandfin.com/shop/products/category/women/
any chance we can get a coupon code for those cute tees??
I love the shirt too. I’m always looking for cute t-shirts.
YUMMY! I am going to make the sauce and put it over zucchini ribbons–I cannot wait. It will be a perfect paleo dinner! Thank you, Adam!
Also, about the fork situation. Always work from the outside and move inward with each course. My Mumsie made me attend Etiquette classes. It was surprisingly enjoyable! But, I was a MAJOR dork. I felt like I was living in “Samantha’s” world from American Girl Dolls.
That is SO awesome. And we’re exactly alike. When my hubs cooks I’m peering over his shoulder, “what about this? are you sure you wanna do that? I can grab us this? oh, go away? oh.”
He did a gawgeous job! xo.
Yay I never win anything, I’m so excited! And that meal looks so delicious!
Aww what a sweet guy. And I agree with you, having your boyfriend cook can be much better than a fancy dinner out.
how sweet! the other day after I came home from a long day at work I found my hubby had made us dinner. It was there sitting for us on the kitchen table all wrapped up in aluminum foil to keep it warm! And of course with a bottle of wine. Those gestures are the best!
when do you add the red wine? i want to make this tonight!
Awww…that is so special! My husband made me dinner last night too, and it was amazing – I think that love is the secret (and most delicious) ingredient
My husband loves to cook as well. In fact, we sometimes argue over who gets to cook supper – it’s lovely! Love your t-shirt BTW. I have a thing for birds used as design elements but really REALLY dislike actual birds. Strange, I know
This sauce sounds so light and fresh. Thanks!
Aww I love this post. What a nice dinner!
My boyfriend is a great cook (probably better than me) – he’s always coming up with interesting flavor combinations that I would never think of. He also makes awesome spaghetti. His secret is to mix a little bit of homemade vinaigrette into the marinara sauce – genius! It gives the dish a nice, smooth depth.
I wholeheartedly agree – while restaurants are lovely, they just don’t compare to cooking a wonderful meal with the person you love.
(Or having the person you love cook a wonderful meal for *you*, haha).
I LOOOOOVE turkey bolgonese. Really it’s the one thing that’d I’d rather eat than anything else at any given moment. You got a good dude.
yums mcgee!!!
sweet guy! cute shirt!
So sweet! That looks delicious and simple – what a great combo!
If any guys actually read this blog, hear this now: Most girls would rather have their man cook for them than go out to some fancy schmancy restaurant with too many forks on the table….It’s a surefire way to … make your wife, girlfriend, friend, sister, mom (!!) feel extra special.”… All I can say is “Amen” to that! I just spent a weekend at the coast with my wife – fixed her a meal like this, rather than going out – it was a fabulous ending to a beautiful day!
I love a man who can cook, too! And pasta! My son used to say to me ‘Mom, this is great. Is it a recipe or an experiment?’ Now, he’s lived in Europe half his life, we talk on the phone and he describes what he made for dinner….and I’m in AWE!
Gorgeous pix….the pasta looks perfect!
I hear ya! I’m about to have my one year wedding anniversary, and I just had a conversation with my husband regarding the fact that he’s never. cooked. me a meal. Not a “real” one at least! Count your lucky stars, my friend!
P.S. What an adorable pic! I don’t often get the time to try your recipes, but I always stop by to see what you’ve got cookin’ (<–pun intended) and because your blog is so dang aesthetically pleasing!!
That is so sweet. Eventhough my hubby isn’t the best cook, the occasions when he wants to make dinner are that much better because he’s making the effort!
“Plus, food always tastes better when someone else makes it for you.”– Yes, it does. My hubby, well, he’s not really a cook. And has never cooked for me in 12 years. But he’s an amazing father and is awesome at playing Barbies and Candyland which is even better than cooking, watching your manly man embrace his inner 4 year old
But that meal that Adam made looks amazing! And I love your photography. Beautiful!
And super cute tshirt, too!
Yum! I love when people cook for me. Going out to restaurants is fun, but to be honest: I hate when people spend money on me. I feel so awkward sitting at a table while my boyfriend pays for my dinner. I really just don’t money being spent on me! Being cooked a home cooked meal is so much more comforting and relaxing.
Adam is such a sweet heart, and you two sound perfect together! Dinner looks delicious:)
Love it when the guys take over the kitchen! Especially if there is wine involved…but I have to admit I was slightly sidetracked by your tshirt(!) where’d you get it?
I agree- there’s nothing better than your man making you dinner! love it!
MINDOFMR.BLOGSPOT.COM
You are a lucky girl! When my husband cooks spaghetti, I fall in love all over again. He makes a mean pasta sauce.
omg that looks so amazing. im jealous
Awww, that is so sweet. I love it when Hubby cooks for me. Which a rare occasion. He gets too frustrated in our tiny kitchen. Nothing beats a home cooked meal with that extra special ingredient
Love love love your t-shirt!
I also got to say, that is one awesome looking wine rack behind you in that top picture. Is that built in at your home, store bought?
Looks delicious! Lucky you! PS: Like Sonia, I was totally eyeing that wine rack too!
Way to go Adam!
You got a keeper! ( But I think you (along with the rest of us! haha) already knew that!)
I would love for my boyfriend to cook for me someday… however I am slightly terrified of what he may come up with haha He always talks about these special appetizer rolls he makes for special occasions. he calls them Bello rolls (after his last name)
It’s a flour tortilla spread with cream cheese, slices of bologna are added and then it is topped with jalepeno slices, all rolled up and cut into pinwheels. It is his claim to fame!
Hi! In the first photo; is that a gigantic wine rack behind you??!! No judgement, if so, really cool!
I was wondering that too!!! Does the boy have a wine cellar in his house?! If so, I’m officially JEALOUS!!
How very delicious!
Yum, looks delish! I love love love making comfort food on Sundays and this looks like it fits the bill pretty well–plus, it looks quick to make, another bonus!
I so agree about spaghetti – its actually within my (ever limited) scope of cookery but I never get the urge to make it for myself. When someone makes it for me, however, I’m more than happy to gobble it up. Oh, and a boy that cooks is worth his weight in marinara
what a sweet guy!! does he have a brother
I’m a guy and I cook
Anyone want to go on a date? haha
YUM!
I had to reply b/c Adam’s spaghetti is similar to my fiancé, Shaun’s! He woo’ed me in with a recipe just like Adam’s except he used…get ready got it: JIMMY DEAN sausage!!! OMG it was so friggin’ FANTASTICAL that I ask for it once a year for Valentines day or our anniversary! (And it’s our anniversay the end of this month!)
Spaghetti was the first meal my husband (then boyfriend) Ever cooked for me, and it was amazing! Hard to believe way back then I had never tried whole wheat pasta or spaghetti sauce made w/ gr turkey breast! I couldn’t believe ‘healthy’ could taste so good!
He still makes his spaghetti the same way, but now I add lots of crumbled goat cheese and wilted spinach to the sauce! Yummmm…
I agree–>Homecooked meals are ALWAYS best, especially if someone else is doing the cooking!
I would TOTALLY rather have my husband cook for me. I’m totally intimidated by fancy restaurants lol. This looks amazing!! It put me in the mood for spaghetti!
I am SO going to send this to the church’s single’s ministries disguised as “I just want to bless you all with a recipe”
hehehehe!
Jenna- Do you know how I can update that picture of myself that comes when I comment? its about 6 yrs old! I have no idea where that comes from.
aww that is so sweet he cooked for you! You are right, a home cooked meal by your man is so much better than an overpriced meal out. My husband won me over when he pan-seared a steak for me on my birthday 2 yrs ago! He also ventured out and bought a stainless pan that night to cook the steak. I kept them both, the pan and my now husband
Adam is a keeper girl!
the husband made this for us tonight – it was so delicious! i can’t wait to have leftovers for lunch tomorrow. my coworkers are going to be so jealous
I made this for dinner last night! I DID make a few modifications though- I left out the sausage (I don’t really care for sausage) and I added onion. But it was wonderful and amazing and the boyfriend & I ate so much we couldn’t move afterward! Thanks (to you & Adam!) for another delicious recipe!
Is that his wine collection behind you??? Wow I’m impressed!!
Looks good! As a veg, I’d probably substitute tofu or zucchini. My boyfriend is an omnivore though so I will be making this spaghetti for my boyfriend (minus Ty sausage..he’s going to love it!)
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