Assorted spaghetti dishes with garlic butter, tomato, and creamy sauces on a wooden table

10 Easy Spaghetti Recipes to Cook If Spaghetti Is Your Love Language – Quick Weeknight Dinners

10 Easy Spaghetti Recipes to Cook If Spaghetti Is Your Love Language – Quick Weeknight Dinners

There’s a reason spaghetti has stuck around as one of the most-loved dinners of all time — it’s simple, endlessly adaptable, and always comforting. This roundup pulls together ten easy spaghetti recipes, from garlicky shrimp to bold puttanesca, each one quick enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to make on repeat.

One-Pot Spaghetti with Sausage
1

One-Pot Spaghetti with Sausage

This one-pot dinner keeps things simple — crumbled Italian sausage simmers right into a rich tomato sauce, and the spaghetti cooks in that same pot to soak up all that flavor. It’s an easy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

The sausage brings deep, savory flavor to the sauce without any extra effort, and fresh basil and parmesan on top finish it off simply. It’s a hearty, comforting bowl that comes together in about 30 minutes.

590
Calories
26g
Protein
56g
Carbs
26g
Fat

Why It Works

  • Only one pot to clean
  • Simple ingredients, big flavor payoff
  • Ready in about 30 minutes

Worth Knowing

  • Sausage fat content varies, drain excess if needed
  • Best with a good quality Italian sausage

Ingredients

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Grated parmesan for serving
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and brown the sausage, breaking it apart, about 6 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, and bring to a simmer.
  4. Break the spaghetti in half and add to the pot, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick.
  5. Simmer 12-15 minutes until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
  6. Stir in basil, top with parmesan, and serve.
Spaghetti with Garlic Butter Shrimp
2

Spaghetti with Garlic Butter Shrimp

Plump shrimp seared in garlic butter and tossed with spaghetti make for a dinner that feels a little fancy but comes together in under 30 minutes. The garlic butter sauce coats every strand of pasta in rich, savory flavor.

A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens everything up, and fresh parsley keeps it looking as good as it tastes. It’s a simple dinner that always feels like a treat.

540
Calories
27g
Protein
52g
Carbs
22g
Fat

Why It Works

  • Feels restaurant-quality with simple ingredients
  • Ready in under 30 minutes
  • One pan for the whole sauce

Worth Knowing

  • Shrimp can overcook quickly if left too long
  • Best eaten fresh, sauce thickens when reheated

Ingredients

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 5 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain, reserving a splash of pasta water.
  2. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook shrimp 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
  4. Add lemon juice and reserved pasta water, stirring to combine.
  5. Toss in cooked spaghetti and shrimp, coating everything in the garlic butter.
  6. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.
Spaghetti with Meatballs in Marinara
3

Spaghetti with Meatballs in Marinara

A timeless classic — hearty beef meatballs simmered in marinara sauce and served over a bed of spaghetti. It’s the kind of dinner that feels familiar and comforting no matter how many times you make it.

The meatballs stay tender and juicy after simmering in the sauce, picking up extra flavor along the way. A generous shaving of parmesan on top is really all it needs to feel complete.

630
Calories
33g
Protein
54g
Carbs
29g
Fat

Why It Works

  • Classic comfort food everyone recognizes
  • Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen
  • Great for feeding a crowd

Worth Knowing

  • Takes a bit longer due to forming and browning meatballs
  • Sauce needs enough time to properly simmer

Ingredients

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh basil for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
  2. In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and form into meatballs.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown meatballs on all sides, about 6 minutes.
  4. Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs, cover, and simmer 15 minutes until cooked through.
  5. Serve meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti, topped with fresh basil and extra parmesan.
Spaghetti with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes
4

Spaghetti with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes

Vibrant basil pesto tossed with spaghetti makes for a quick, fresh dinner that’s ready in about 20 minutes. Juicy cherry tomatoes add a pop of sweetness against the herby, garlicky pesto.

Toasted pine nuts on top bring a satisfying crunch, rounding out the dish nicely. It’s a naturally vegetarian dinner that feels light but still satisfying.

520
Calories
14g
Protein
56g
Carbs
26g
Fat

Why It Works

  • Ready in about 20 minutes
  • Naturally vegetarian
  • Fresh, bright flavor

Worth Knowing

  • Store-bought pesto can be oily, use in moderation
  • Best served fresh while the pesto is vibrant

Ingredients

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 3/4 cup basil pesto
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
  • Grated parmesan for serving
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the spaghetti with pesto and reserved pasta water until coated.
  3. Fold in cherry tomatoes.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Top with toasted pine nuts and parmesan, then serve.
Spaghetti with Brown Butter and Sage
5

Spaghetti with Brown Butter and Sage

Simple but full of flavor, this dish tosses spaghetti in nutty browned butter with crispy fried sage leaves. The browning process turns ordinary butter into something deeply aromatic and rich.

It’s a minimalist pasta that proves you don’t need a long ingredient list to make something delicious. A dusting of parmesan on top is the perfect finishing touch.

480
Calories
12g
Protein
54g
Carbs
24g
Fat

Why It Works

  • Minimal ingredients, elegant result
  • Quick to prepare, about 20 minutes
  • Naturally vegetarian

Worth Knowing

  • Butter can burn quickly, watch closely while browning
  • Best served immediately while the sage is crisp

Ingredients

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 6 tbsp butter
  • 15 fresh sage leaves
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
  • Grated parmesan for serving
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. In a light-colored skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add sage leaves.
  3. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the butter turns golden-brown and smells nutty, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Remove sage leaves and set aside, then toss the spaghetti in the brown butter with reserved pasta water.
  5. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Top with crispy sage leaves and parmesan before serving.
Spaghetti Puttanesca with Anchovies
6

Spaghetti Puttanesca with Anchovies

Bold and briny, this classic Italian dish combines olives, capers, and anchovies in a punchy tomato sauce. The anchovies melt into the sauce as it cooks, adding a savory depth without tasting fishy.

It’s a dish with real personality, perfect for anyone who wants their pasta with a little edge. Fresh parsley on top keeps it tasting bright against all that bold flavor.

500
Calories
16g
Protein
58g
Carbs
20g
Fat

Why It Works

  • Big, bold flavor from pantry staples
  • Naturally comes together quickly
  • A classic dish with real character

Worth Knowing

  • Anchovies and capers are salty, taste before adding extra salt
  • Not for those who dislike briny, salty flavors

Ingredients

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 4 anchovy fillets
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced
  • 2 tbsp capers, drained
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
  2. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat and add anchovies, mashing them into the oil as they cook.
  3. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in olives and capers, then add crushed tomatoes and simmer 15 minutes.
  5. Toss with cooked spaghetti.
  6. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Spaghetti with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
7

Spaghetti with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Earthy sautéed mushrooms bring deep, savory flavor to this creamy spaghetti dish. The mushrooms brown well before the cream goes in, building a rich base that coats every strand of pasta.

Fresh thyme stirred in near the end adds an herby note that pairs perfectly with the mushrooms. It’s a naturally vegetarian dinner that feels cozy and satisfying.

560
Calories
15g
Protein
56g
Carbs
28g
Fat

Why It Works

  • Naturally vegetarian
  • Mushrooms add heartiness without meat
  • Great way to use up extra mushrooms

Worth Knowing

  • Mushrooms release liquid, cook until evaporated
  • Best with a good mix of mushroom varieties for depth

Ingredients

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
  2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté mushrooms until browned, about 6 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer, then stir in parmesan until smooth.
  5. Toss with cooked spaghetti, sprinkle with thyme, and serve.
Spaghetti with Crispy Pancetta and Peas
8

Spaghetti with Crispy Pancetta and Peas

Crispy pancetta bits bring rich, savory flavor to this simple spaghetti dish, while sweet green peas add a fresh pop of color and flavor. A light cream sauce ties everything together.

It’s a well-balanced dinner that’s a little indulgent from the pancetta but still feels fresh thanks to the peas. It comes together quickly, making it a great weeknight option.

570
Calories
19g
Protein
54g
Carbs
26g
Fat

Why It Works

  • Well-balanced flavor, rich yet fresh
  • Quick to prepare, about 25 minutes
  • One pan for the whole sauce

Worth Knowing

  • Pancetta can be pricey, bacon works as a substitute
  • Frozen peas work best, thaw before adding

Ingredients

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 6 oz pancetta, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, adding peas in the last 2 minutes. Drain.
  2. Cook pancetta in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
  3. Sauté garlic in the pancetta fat for 30 seconds.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer, then stir in parmesan until smooth.
  5. Toss with cooked spaghetti and peas, top with pancetta, and serve.
Spaghetti with Crab and Garlic Butter
9

Spaghetti with Crab and Garlic Butter

Lump crab meat tossed with spaghetti in a glossy garlic butter sauce makes for an elegant dinner that still comes together quickly. The sweetness of the crab pairs beautifully with the rich, garlicky butter.

Fresh parsley and a bit of lemon zest keep the dish tasting bright against the richness of the butter. It’s a special-occasion feeling meal that’s surprisingly simple to make.

530
Calories
24g
Protein
52g
Carbs
22g
Fat

Why It Works

  • Elegant enough for a special dinner
  • Quick to prepare, about 25 minutes
  • Crab adds natural sweetness

Worth Knowing

  • Lump crab meat can be pricey
  • Be gentle when folding in crab to keep pieces intact

Ingredients

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 8 oz lump crab meat
  • 5 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain, reserving a splash of pasta water.
  2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
  3. Add lemon juice and reserved pasta water, stirring to combine.
  4. Toss in cooked spaghetti, then gently fold in the crab meat to avoid breaking it apart.
  5. Sprinkle with lemon zest and parsley.
  6. Season with salt and pepper, and serve.
Spaghetti with Bacon and Caramelized Onions
10

Spaghetti with Bacon and Caramelized Onions

Sweet caramelized onions and crispy bacon bits come together in this comforting spaghetti dish. The onions take a bit of time to caramelize properly, but the payoff is a deep, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon.

A light butter sauce ties everything together without overwhelming the other flavors. It’s a simple dinner that feels a little more special thanks to those slow-cooked onions.

560
Calories
18g
Protein
56g
Carbs
26g
Fat

Why It Works

  • Deep, sweet flavor from caramelized onions
  • Great use for a few slices of leftover bacon
  • Comforting, well-balanced dinner

Worth Knowing

  • Caramelizing onions takes about 20-25 minutes, plan ahead
  • Best with patience, don’t rush the onions

Ingredients

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
  • Grated parmesan for serving
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
  3. Add butter and onions to the skillet, and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized, about 20-25 minutes.
  4. Toss the spaghetti with the caramelized onions and reserved pasta water.
  5. Top with bacon and parmesan.
  6. Season with salt and pepper, and serve.

Complete Shopping List

Proteins

  • Italian sausage
  • Shrimp
  • Ground beef
  • Anchovy fillets
  • Pancetta
  • Lump crab meat
  • Bacon

Dairy

  • Butter
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese

Produce

  • Garlic
  • Onions
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Mushrooms
  • Fresh sage
  • Fresh basil
  • Fresh parsley
  • Fresh thyme
  • Lemons

Pantry

  • Spaghetti
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Marinara sauce
  • Chicken broth
  • Basil pesto
  • Kalamata olives
  • Capers
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Pine nuts
  • Frozen peas
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Olive oil

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute a different long pasta for spaghetti in these recipes?

Yes — linguine, fettuccine, or bucatini all work well as substitutes in most of these recipes, though cooking times may vary slightly.

What’s the best way to store leftover spaghetti dishes?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Cream-based sauces reheat best on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk to loosen them back up.

Can I make the sauces ahead of time?

Most of these sauces can be made a day ahead and reheated gently before tossing with freshly cooked spaghetti, especially the tomato-based and cream-based ones.

How do I keep spaghetti from sticking together after cooking?

Toss the drained spaghetti with a little olive oil or immediately combine it with the sauce to keep the strands from clumping as they cool.

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