10+ Spaghetti Recipes You’ll Love for Quick and Tasty Meals

Spaghetti’s one of those classic meals that never really goes out of style. It’s simple, comforting, and you can make it in so many ways.

You can pair it with all sorts of sauces and ingredients. That’s part of what makes it so fun to cook.

Spaghetti recipes let you whip up a tasty meal with stuff you probably already have at home. Whether you’re after a quick dinner or something a bit fancier, there’s definitely a spaghetti recipe out there for you.

Ingredients for Spaghetti:

• Spaghetti pasta
• Tomato sauce or marinara
• Ground meat (beef, turkey, or sausage)
• Garlic
• Onion
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Italian herbs (basil, oregano)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Boil water and cook spaghetti according to package directions.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic and onion.
3. Add ground meat and cook until browned.
4. Pour in tomato sauce and add herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Combine pasta and sauce, toss well, and serve warm.

1) Classic Spaghetti with Homemade Meat Sauce

Start by browning ground beef with chopped onions in a big skillet. That’s where all the good flavor starts.

Toss in garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper for that classic Italian vibe. Stir in tomato sauce and tomato paste next.

Let it simmer on low so everything melds together. The sauce gets thick and savory—just right for spaghetti.

Serve it hot over cooked noodles. If you want, add grated cheese or fresh basil on top.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces spaghetti noodles

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is cooked through.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring now and then.
5. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
6. Top spaghetti with the meat sauce.

2) Easy Weeknight Spaghetti with Ground Beef

You can get a tasty spaghetti dinner on the table in under an hour. Just cook ground beef in a pan until it’s browned.

Add chopped onions and garlic, and let them get soft. Pour in your favorite tomato sauce or some canned diced tomatoes.

Let that simmer so the flavors come together. Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles.

This recipe works with any pasta, honestly. Throw in some Italian seasoning for extra flavor if you’re in the mood.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped white onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes or tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 8 ounces spaghetti
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Cook ground beef until browned, breaking it up as you go.
3. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes or tomato sauce and Italian seasoning.
5. Simmer on low for 20 minutes, stirring now and then.
6. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
7. Drain spaghetti and top with the meat sauce.
8. Season with salt and pepper, and serve.

For more details, check this easy weeknight spaghetti recipe.

3) One Pot Spaghetti with Marinara

One pot spaghetti with marinara is a lifesaver when you want something good but don’t want a pile of dishes. Cook ground beef, garlic, and onions together in one big pot.

Add marinara sauce and spaghetti noodles right in there. The pasta soaks up all the flavors as it cooks.

You can use store-bought marinara or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious. Either way, it’s a cozy, no-fuss meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 8 ounces spaghetti noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown ground beef, garlic, and onion in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Drain off any extra fat.
3. Add marinara sauce, water, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together.
4. Break spaghetti noodles in half and toss them in the pot.
5. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, stirring now and then, for 15-20 minutes until the noodles are cooked.
6. Serve hot.

For more tips, check a one pot spaghetti recipe.

4) Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Cheesy baked spaghetti casserole is the kind of meal that just feels like a hug. Mix cooked spaghetti with cream cheese and a savory meat sauce, then bake until everything’s melty and golden.

You can use cream cheese or blend a few cheeses for a richer bite. Browned ground beef or Italian sausage makes it hearty.

If you’re feeling healthy, toss in some broccoli or spinach. Once it’s baked, just scoop and enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz cooked spaghetti
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown ground beef in a pan, then drain the fat.
3. Mix cooked spaghetti, cream cheese, egg, and half the mozzarella in a bowl.
4. Stir in the beef and marinara sauce.
5. Pour into a baking dish, top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.

5) Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Garlic and Olive Oil

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is about as simple as it gets. You just need spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of chili flakes.

Boil the spaghetti until it’s al dente. While that’s going, gently fry minced garlic and chili flakes in olive oil until the garlic turns golden.

Toss the cooked pasta in the garlic oil. If it seems a bit dry, splash in some pasta water.

Finish it off with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon if you want a little zing.

Ingredients

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Pinch of red chili flakes
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• 1/2 lemon (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes.
2. Slowly heat olive oil in a pan over medium.
3. Add garlic and chili flakes, frying until the garlic’s light golden.
4. Drain pasta, but save about 1/2 cup of the water.
5. Toss pasta with the garlic oil; add some reserved water if it needs loosening up.
6. Stir in parsley and lemon juice if you like. Serve warm.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe

6) Spaghetti Carbonara with Pancetta

Spaghetti carbonara is classic Italian comfort food. You cook spaghetti and toss it with crispy pancetta, eggs, and cheese for a creamy sauce—no cream needed.

Pancetta gives the best flavor, but bacon works if that’s what you’ve got. Freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan takes it up a notch.

Don’t forget the black pepper. It adds just the right kick.

This dish comes together fast, usually in about 15 to 20 minutes. Perfect for when you want a great meal without a lot of effort.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 4 ounces pancetta, cubed
• 4 large egg yolks
• 5 ounces Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
• Black pepper, to taste
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil and cook pancetta until crisp.
3. Beat egg yolks with grated cheese and black pepper in a bowl.
4. Drain pasta, saving some cooking water.
5. Toss hot pasta with pancetta, then take off the heat.
6. Quickly mix in the egg and cheese mixture, adding pasta water as needed to make it creamy.
7. Serve right away with extra cheese and pepper.

7) Spaghetti with Italian Sausage and Peppers

This recipe brings together Italian sausage and colorful bell peppers for a hearty meal. Brown the sausage first, then sauté onions and peppers until they’re soft.

Pour in your favorite marinara or pasta sauce and let everything simmer together. Mild or hot sausage both work—pick your favorite.

Toss with spaghetti noodles and you’re set. It’s simple, filling, and always hits the spot.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers (red and green), cut into pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 1 jar marinara or pasta sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
2. Remove sausage, then sauté onions and peppers in olive oil until tender.
3. Add sausage back to the pan and pour in the sauce.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
6. Combine spaghetti with the sauce and serve warm.

8) Vegetarian Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Basil

Vegetarian spaghetti with tomato sauce and basil is both easy and fresh. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft.

Add fresh tomatoes and let the sauce simmer until it thickens. Stir in fresh basil at the end for a burst of flavor.

This dish is light and healthy, making it a go-to for quick meals. If you want, swap in gluten-free pasta to keep it vegan and gluten-free.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 3 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti as the package says. Drain it and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan on medium—about 350°F (175°C) if you’re checking.
3. Toss in the onions and cook them until they’re soft, maybe 5 minutes.
4. Add garlic and stir for just a minute.
5. Stir in the tomatoes. Let everything cook until the sauce thickens, around 10 minutes.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and basil. Mix it all together.
7. Toss the spaghetti in the sauce and serve while it’s warm.

9) Spaghetti with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

This spaghetti with creamy mushroom sauce is one of those comfort meals you want to eat on a chilly night. The mushrooms get cooked down in butter and garlic, and wow, that base is just so good.

Fresh herbs give it a pop of flavor. The sauce turns out smooth, almost a little luxurious.

It’s quick to make, honestly. Perfect for a busy night when you just want something that feels a bit special.

If you use fresh mushrooms, the taste really stands out. I always think a sprinkle of parmesan on top makes it even better, but that’s up to you.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) spaghetti
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 oz (340g) fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp fresh thyme or parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti according to the package. Drain and set it aside.
2. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add garlic, sauté for about a minute.
4. Throw in the mushrooms, and cook until they’re soft and browned—give it 5 to 7 minutes.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and toss in the herbs. Stir, then let it simmer for 3 or 4 minutes.
6. Add salt and pepper.
7. Mix the cooked spaghetti into the sauce.
8. Serve it warm. Top with parmesan if you like.

10) Quick Spaghetti Pomodoro

Spaghetti Pomodoro is one of those Italian classics that never really gets old. It’s light, fresh, and honestly, it doesn’t take much time at all.

You just need ripe tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil. The sauce comes together in minutes.

If you’re hungry and want dinner fast, this is a good one. Fresh ingredients make a big difference—don’t skip them if you can help it.

I like to finish with a little parmesan on top. Maybe add a side salad or some garlic bread if you’re feeling fancy.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• 4 cups fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil a pot of water and cook the spaghetti just like the package says.

2. While that’s going, pour some olive oil into a pan and set it over medium heat.

3. Toss in the garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute—don’t walk away, it burns fast.

4. Throw in the chopped tomatoes. Let them cook down for 8 to 10 minutes, until they’re nice and soft.

5. Sprinkle in the basil, a pinch of salt, and a bit of pepper.

6. Drain the pasta, then mix it right into your sauce.

7. If you’re into it, top everything with Parmesan cheese before serving.

If you want more pointers, check out this quick spaghetti pomodoro recipe.