When it comes to comfort food, few dishes rival the classic Italian staple: spaghetti. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meatball sub or a light and airy vegetarian option, there’s a spaghetti recipe out there for every taste and occasion. In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouthwatering spaghetti recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your friends and family.
From creamy garlic parmesan to spicy arrabbiata, each of these dishes offers a unique twist on the classic pasta dish. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive main course for a special occasion, we’ve got you covered with our selection of spaghetti recipes.
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of pasta and explore the many delicious variations that can be made using this versatile ingredient. So grab your fork and get ready to dig in – we’re about to take a culinary journey through the wonderful world of spaghetti!
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese
A timeless Italian favorite, this classic spaghetti bolognese is a rich and flavorful dish that combines ground beef, tomatoes, and pasta for a satisfying meal. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 500g minced beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, finely chopped
– 1 can (400g) of crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup of red wine
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 500g spaghetti
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
1. Cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large pot, cook the minced beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and carrot to the pot and cook until the vegetables are softened.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, red wine, tomato paste, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 20-30 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Serve the bolognese over cooked spaghetti, adding some reserved pasta water if needed. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and flavorful dish, combining the creaminess of garlic butter with the savory goodness of parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked spaghetti, garlic butter sauce, and reserved pasta water (if needed). Toss until well coated.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spaghetti Carbonara with Pancetta
A rich and creamy Italian dish that combines the savory flavors of pancetta, eggs, and Parmesan cheese with al dente spaghetti.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
– 6 slices (3 oz/85g) pancetta, diced
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add reserved pasta water, eggs, and Parmesan cheese. Whisk together until smooth and creamy.
4. Add cooked spaghetti to the egg mixture and toss to combine.
5. Stir in cooked pancetta.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Arrabbiata Spaghetti
A classic Italian-inspired pasta dish with a spicy kick, this recipe combines the simplicity of homemade tomato sauce with the bold flavors of garlic and red pepper flakes. Perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 2 cups crushed San Marzano tomatoes
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then reserve.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer sauce for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing flavors to meld.
5. Combine cooked spaghetti with tomato sauce. Toss to coat.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Lemon Butter Shrimp Spaghetti
A bright and citrusy take on a classic spaghetti dish, this recipe combines succulent shrimp with a zesty lemon butter sauce and al dente pasta.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tbsp)
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium.
5. Add lemon juice and white wine (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat with lemon butter sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
7. Serve immediately, topped with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes.
Vegetable Primavera Spaghetti
This recipe is a quick and flavorful twist on classic spaghetti, packed with an array of colorful vegetables. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 2 cups mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 cup snow peas, trimmed
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add bell peppers, snow peas, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Drain cooked spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the vegetable mixture. Toss to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spaghetti with Meatballs and Marinara
This timeless Italian-American dish is a staple for a reason – the perfect combination of tender meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and al dente spaghetti. With this recipe, you’ll be enjoying a satisfying and flavorful meal in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 12 ounces spaghetti
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a spoon.
3. Form meatballs (about 1 1/2 inches in diameter). Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Heat marinara sauce over medium heat. Add the meatballs and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
7. Combine cooked spaghetti and meatball-marinara mixture. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: approximately 45-50 minutes
Pesto Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes
This classic spaghetti dish gets a boost of flavor and color from the addition of creamy pesto sauce and sweet cherry tomatoes. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 1/2 cup freshly made pesto sauce (see below)
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Pesto Sauce Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/3 cup pine nuts
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, combine pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Heat over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until tomatoes are tender.
3. Combine cooked spaghetti with the tomato-pesto mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Savor the bold flavors of Italy with this classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio recipe, a staple of Italian cuisine. This quick and easy dish combines garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes to create a spicy yet savory sauce that pairs perfectly with al dente spaghetti.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 6-8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
– 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2-3 dried red pepper flakes
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced garlic and cook for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
3. Add red pepper flakes and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add reserved pasta water to the skillet and stir to combine with garlic and oil mixture.
5. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat with sauce.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spaghetti with Clams in White Wine Sauce
Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with this classic Italian dish featuring tender clams, garlic, and a rich white wine sauce. Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 2 lbs fresh clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup clam juice
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add clams, white wine, and clam juice. Cover and cook until clams open (about 5 minutes).
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Toss cooked spaghetti with clam mixture, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spaghetti with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Savor the rich flavors of Italy with this creamy mushroom sauce elevating simple spaghetti to a comforting masterpiece!
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
3. Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let sauce thicken slightly, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Combine reserved pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
6. Toss cooked spaghetti with mushroom sauce. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spaghetti with Roasted Garlic and Olive Oil
This classic Italian dish gets a flavorful boost from the pungency of roasted garlic and richness of olive oil.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 3-4 cloves garlic, peeled and separated into individual pieces
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– Salt, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the garlic cloves on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt. Fold the foil into a package and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the garlic is tender and caramelized.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
4. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking liquid before draining the spaghetti.
5. In a large skillet, combine the roasted garlic (squeezing out excess oil), reserved pasta liquid, and remaining olive oil. Simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing everything together until well combined. Season with salt to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spaghetti with Spinach and Ricotta
A classic Italian-inspired dish that combines tender spaghetti, wilted spinach, and creamy ricotta cheese for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
5. Combine cooked spaghetti, wilted spinach mixture, and ricotta cheese mixture in a large serving dish. Toss until well combined, adding some reserved pasta water if needed.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spaghetti with Sausage and Peppers
A classic Italian-American dish that’s quick, easy, and flavorful. This recipe combines juicy sausage, sweet bell peppers, and tender spaghetti for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound spaghetti
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 4 Italian-style sausages (sweet or hot)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti in boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add sliced bell peppers and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add Italian sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Stir in garlic and reserved pasta water. Bring mixture to a simmer.
6. Combine cooked spaghetti and sausage mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spaghetti with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil
Elevate your pasta game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes with the brightness of fresh basil. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.
3. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
4. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to combine with tomato mixture. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and chopped basil on top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spaghetti with Anchovies and Breadcrumbs
This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the salty, umami taste of anchovies with the crunch of breadcrumbs for a satisfying pasta dish.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 3 anchovy fillets (rinsed and chopped)
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add chopped anchovies and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until they dissolve into a rich, savory paste.
3. In a separate pan, toast breadcrumbs over medium heat, stirring frequently, until lightly browned (about 5 minutes).
4. Drain cooked spaghetti and combine with the anchovy sauce and toasted breadcrumbs. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spaghetti with Zucchini and Lemon
This recipe combines the classic Italian staple of spaghetti with the freshness of zucchini and a burst of citrus from lemon. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 1 medium zucchini, sliced into thin rounds
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tbsp)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add zucchini slices to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes or until tender.
4. Stir in lemon juice and reserved pasta water. Bring mixture to a simmer.
5. Combine cooked spaghetti with zucchini mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese (if using).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spaghetti with Eggplant and Tomato Sauce
This classic Italian dish combines the flavors of tender eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and al dente spaghetti for a satisfying meal. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and hearty dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced (or 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes)
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss eggplant slices with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
3. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, combine diced tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly.
5. Combine cooked spaghetti, roasted eggplant, and tomato sauce. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese (if desired).
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Summary
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these 18 mouth-watering spaghetti recipes! From classic Spaghetti Bolognese to creative twists like Lemon Butter Shrimp and Pesto with Cherry Tomatoes, there’s something for every occasion. Whether you’re in the mood for meatballs, seafood, or a vegetarian option, this collection has got you covered. Try one of these 18 delicious spaghetti recipes tonight and experience the ultimate comfort food!
