20+ Best Spaghetti Recipes to Make for Busy Weeknights
They're fork-twirling good! 🍝
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There's a reason why spaghetti and meatballs is a favorite comfort food. It's a classic Italian dish that's thick, hearty, and perfect for Sunday night dinner. "Spaghetti and meatballs will make anyone smile," Ree Drummond says. And it just wouldn’t be the same without those signature noodles. There's just something about twirling up a bite of spaghetti that makes you feel all warm and cozy inside. That's why we've rounded up our favorite spaghetti recipes—including Ree's spaghetti and meatballs! Here, you'll find a variety of easy dinners, including chicken pasta recipes, baked pastas, garlicky noodles, and different ways to use pesto. They're all made with long strands of spaghetti, so you'll want to grab a box to store in your pantry.
If you're wondering what the secret is to a good spaghetti, here's a hint: it's all about the sauce! Whether it's a meat sauce, marinara, or creamy cheese sauce, you'll want to be sure the noodles are fully incorporated into the sauce. Some of the recipes ahead even call for cooking the pasta in the sauce, like the slow cooker spaghetti with spicy sausage. Then, you can whip up your favorite garlic bread for the ultimate Italian experience. With these pasta recipes, you'll be on your way to dinner served in no time!
Chicken Spaghetti
These noodles get an extra boost of flavor by cooking them in the boiling chicken broth. Just be sure to only cook until al dente since they finish cooking with the sauce and chicken in the oven.
Get Ree's Chicken Spaghetti recipe.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Ree loves cooking this spaghetti and meatball recipe almost as much as she loves to eat it! It's rich, satisfying, and perfect for a family dinner.
Get Ree's Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe.
Spaghetti with Clams
This dish can be made with fresh or canned clams so it's perfect for busy weeknights even if you can't get your hands on fresh seafood. The important part is to use lots of garlic.
Get the Spaghetti with Clams recipe.
Chicken Parm Pasta
This pasta has all the flavors of a chicken parmesan, including the crushed tomato sauce, fresh basil, and melty mozzarella cheese. It even has toasted parmesan breadcrumbs for crunch.
Get Ree's Chicken Parm Pasta recipe.
Spaghetti Sauce
This hearty meat sauce is made with ground beef, wine, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. It's cooked low and slow and best served over spaghetti noodles with lots of parm.
Get Ree's Spaghetti Sauce recipe.
Shrimp Pesto Pasta
Homemade pesto is a breeze to whip up. Along with quick-cooking shrimp and spaghetti, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
Get Ree's Shrimp Pesto Pasta recipe.
Pumpkin Bacon Carbonara
For a seasonal twist on this classic pasta, real pumpkin puree is added to the egg-y, cheesy sauce. It becomes thick and creamy—perfect for pairing with crispy bacon.
Get the Pumpkin Bacon Carbonara recipe.
Baked Lemon Pasta
Lemon juice, sour cream, and lots of fresh herbs combine to make this simple, yet flavorful baked pasta recipe. It'll add brightness to any dinner table.
Get Ree's Baked Lemon Pasta recipe.
Spaghetti Marinara
This sauce is ideal for twirling with a fork full of spaghetti, but you'll also find yourself using it for other dishes like pizza or ravioli.
Get Ree's Spaghetti Marinara recipe.
Basil Pesto Chicken Spaghetti
This pesto pasta is topped with pesto marinated chicken that's either grilled or baked—so it's perfect for any time of year.
Get the Basil Pesto Chicken Spaghetti recipe at Cafe Delites.
Baked Spaghetti
This casserole dish has layers of spaghetti sauce, ricotta filling, and tons of melty cheese. It's the ultimate comfort food.
Creamy Jerk Shrimp Spaghetti
This one-pot dish is jam-packed with mushrooms, shrimp, and a spicy jerk cream sauce. No one will guess that it came together in just 30 minutes!
Get the Creamy Jerk Shrimp Spaghetti recipe at Immaculate Bites.
Lemon Brown Butter Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes and Feta
The tomatoes in this recipe are roasted to a thick and jammy texture that creates a sauce all on their own. Add bright lemon, creamy feta, and luscious brown butter for the perfect combination.
Get the Lemon Brown Butter Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes and Feta recipe at Orchids and Sweet Tea.
Easy Mushroom Garlic Spaghetti
Cremini mushrooms are a hearty addition to this simple pasta recipe. They're meaty and flavorful when cooked with garlic so they're perfect for a vegetarian dinner.
Get the Easy Mushroom Garlic Spaghetti recipe at Healthy Fitness Meals.
One-Pot Spaghetti
Instead of boiling a separate pot of water, this recipe calls for cooking the noodles right in the sauce. That means less clean-up for you!
Pasta Primavera
Mixing fresh veggies with spaghetti and lots of butter is the best way to get your family to eat their greens. Whatever you do, don't forget the parmesan cheese!
Canned Tuna Spaghetti
This pantry pasta is great for days when you forgot to run to the grocery. It can be jazzed up with freshly grated parm and lemon zest or kept simple for those really busy nights.
Four Cheese Spaghetti
This recipe is mac and cheese meets Italian dinner. You can always throw in some spinach for added greens, but it's delicious in it's own right, too.
Pesto Carbonara with Crispy Prosciutto
Here's another twist on carbonara—made with herby pesto and prosciutto. It's sure to become a new favorite.
Get the Pesto Carbonara with Crispy Prosciutto recipe at Britney Breaks Bread.
Crock-Pot Spaghetti
All the ingredients for the saucy spaghetti are cooked right in the slow cooker, including the sausage and noodles. It's great for feeding a crowd.
Get the Crock-Pot Spaghetti recipe at Julie's Eats and Treats.
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