12 Spaghetti Dinners Anyone Can Easily Make
Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food that never fails to satisfy hungry tummies and busy schedules. When life gets hectic, having a few quick pasta recipes up your sleeve can be a real lifesaver.
That’s why I’ve collected 12 foolproof spaghetti dinners that require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor – perfect for beginners, busy parents, or anyone who just loves a good plate of pasta!
1. Classic Spaghetti with Marinara
Nothing beats the simplicity of perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a rich marinara sauce. The secret? A good quality jarred sauce doctored up with fresh garlic and a splash of olive oil.
I discovered this shortcut during my college years when cooking skills were… questionable at best. Simply boil your pasta according to package directions, drain, and toss with the warmed sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for an instant upgrade!
2. Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Herbs
Fancy flavors don’t always need fancy techniques! This garlicky delight comes together in minutes while your pasta cooks. Melt butter in a pan, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant.
Toss in your drained spaghetti, sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, and finish with a squeeze of lemon.
The combination of butter, garlic, and herbs creates a restaurant-worthy dish that’s embarrassingly simple to make.
3. Creamy Mushroom Spaghetti
Mushroom lovers, rejoice! This earthy, creamy pasta dish tastes like it took hours, but it’s ready in under 30 minutes. Sauté sliced mushrooms until golden, then add cream, a splash of white wine if you’re feeling fancy, and simmer until slightly thickened.
Last Christmas, I made this for my mushroom-hating brother, and he asked for seconds! The key is getting those mushrooms properly browned before adding the cream – it develops an incredible depth of flavor that converts even the skeptics.
4. Lemon Tuna Spaghetti
Pantry ingredients transform into dinner magic with this zesty tuna pasta. Open a can of tuna (packed in olive oil works best), drain partially, and warm it in a pan with lemon zest, juice, and red pepper flakes.
Mix with hot spaghetti and add a handful of capers or olives if you have them. The bright lemony flavor balances perfectly with the rich tuna, creating a satisfying meal that feels much fancier than the sum of its humble parts.
5. One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese
Kitchen wizardry at its finest! This one-pot wonder eliminates extra dishes while creating a rich, meaty sauce. Brown ground beef with onions and garlic, add tomato sauce and water, then break dry spaghetti right into the pot.
My tiny apartment kitchen made me a one-pot cooking evangelist years ago. The pasta absorbs the savory flavors as it cooks, resulting in an intensely flavorful dish.
Plus, you’ll only have one pot to wash when dinner’s done – now that’s what I call a win-win!
6. Carbonara-Style Spaghetti (No Raw Eggs!)
Craving carbonara but worried about raw eggs? This beginner-friendly version delivers all the creamy, savory goodness without the stress. Cook bacon or pancetta until crispy, then toss hot spaghetti with a mixture of cream, grated Parmesan, and black pepper.
The first time I attempted traditional carbonara, I accidentally made scrambled egg pasta! This foolproof method eliminates that risk entirely.
The residual heat from the pasta creates a silky sauce that clings beautifully to each strand, giving you that authentic carbonara experience without the technique anxiety.
7. Spicy Arrabbiata Spaghetti
Heat seekers will fall head over heels for this fiery pasta dish! Arrabbiata literally means “angry” in Italian, referring to the spicy kick from red pepper flakes. Sauté garlic in olive oil, add red pepper flakes to taste, then pour in crushed tomatoes.
Simmer briefly until slightly thickened, then toss with spaghetti. The beauty of this sauce is its simplicity – just a few ingredients create bold, memorable flavors.
Adjust the spice level to suit your preference, from mildly warm to five-alarm fire!
8. Roasted Vegetable Spaghetti
Transform ordinary vegetables into pasta perfection with this oven-roasted approach. Chop zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, or whatever veggies you have on hand, toss with olive oil, salt, and herbs, then roast until caramelized and tender.
Back when I was trying to eat more vegetables, I discovered that roasting brings out natural sweetness that even picky eaters love.
Mix the roasted goodies with hot spaghetti, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a nutritious dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
9. Olive Oil and Garlic Spaghetti (Aglio e Olio)
Minimalist cooking at its absolute finest! This traditional Italian pasta requires just five ingredients: spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and parsley. Gently sauté thinly sliced garlic in olive oil until just golden.
Add red pepper flakes, then toss with hot spaghetti and a splash of pasta water to create a light sauce. The magic happens when the starchy pasta water emulsifies with the oil, coating each strand perfectly.
Finish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
10. Greek-Inspired Spaghetti with Feta
Mediterranean flavors dance together in this bright, briny pasta creation. Toss hot spaghetti with olive oil, lemon juice, and zest, then add halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese.
The warm pasta slightly softens the vegetables while the feta begins to melt just a touch. The combination of tangy feta, fresh vegetables, and citrus creates a refreshing twist on traditional pasta night.
For extra Greek flair, toss in some Kalamata olives or a sprinkle of oregano!
11. Spaghetti Frittata (Leftover Magic)
Last night’s spaghetti transforms into today’s showstopper with this clever Italian trick. Mix leftover spaghetti (any kind will do!) with beaten eggs, grated cheese, and any bits of vegetables or meat you want to use up.
Pour into a hot, oiled skillet and cook until set on the bottom, then finish under the broiler. My grandmother taught me this thrifty recipe, insisting that leftover pasta makes the best frittatas.
The edges get wonderfully crispy while the interior remains tender – perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
12. Avocado Cream Spaghetti
Creamy, dreamy pasta sauce without a drop of cream? Absolutely! Blend ripe avocados with garlic, lemon juice, and a splash of olive oil to create an incredibly luxurious sauce that’s ready in seconds.
Toss with hot spaghetti and marvel at how the heat from the pasta warms the sauce to perfection. Sometimes I add a handful of cherry tomatoes for color contrast and a burst of acidity. This unexpected combination has become my go-to when avocados are threatening to overripen on the counter!