Spaghettone Quadrato con Scampi e Limone

Spaghettone Quadrato con Scampi e Limone is a refined pasta dish originating from the coastal town of Sant’Agnello, Italy, where it is famously served at Bar La Terrazza. The dish features spaghettone quadrato, a square-cut, thick spaghetti that provides a robust texture capable of holding the sauce. Key ingredients include fresh scampi (langoustines), lemon, garlic, olive oil, and often a touch of white wine or chili, creating a bright, briny, and slightly spicy flavor profile.

A great version of this dish is distinguished by the perfect al dente cooking of the spaghettone quadrato, which should have a satisfying chew. The scampi must be fresh and cooked just until tender, never overcooked, while the lemon should provide a vibrant acidity that balances the sweetness of the shellfish. The sauce should be emulsified and light, coating each strand of pasta without being heavy. As noted by food creator Jana Food Porn, who highlighted Bar La Terrazza’s rendition, the dish exemplifies the simplicity and quality of coastal Italian cooking.

Regional variations may include the addition of cherry tomatoes or parsley, but the core combination of scampi and lemon remains central. Along the Amalfi Coast, where Sant’Agnello is located, similar preparations emphasize local seafood and citrus, though the use of spaghettone quadrato is a distinctive choice that sets this dish apart from more common spaghetti versions.