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Spaghetti is a timeless classic that brings comfort and joy to the dining table.
Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, mastering a quick and easy spaghetti recipe is a must-have skill.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps to create a flavorful spaghetti dish that’s both simple and satisfying.
Why Choose Spaghetti for Your Next Meal?
Spaghetti is versatile, budget-friendly, and loved by people of all ages.
Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family, hosting friends, or enjoying a quiet meal at home, spaghetti can be tailored to fit any occasion.
Plus, with just a few ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-quality dish in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients for Easy Spaghetti Recipe
To keep things simple and delicious, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces of spaghetti
- 4 quarts of water
- 1 tablespoon of salt
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of red chili flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (balances the acidity of tomatoes)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage for a meatier sauce
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra richness
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Spaghetti
- Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot.
- Add 1 tablespoon of salt to enhance the pasta’s flavor.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). This usually takes 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, chili flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce on low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce.
- Mix well to coat each strand of spaghetti evenly.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Tips for Elevating Your Easy Spaghetti Recipe
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh basil and high-quality olive oil can take your dish from good to great.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Cooking pasta al dente ensures it holds up well when mixed with the sauce.
3. Experiment with Add-Ins
Try adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even olives for extra texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your easy spaghetti with these sides for a complete meal:
- A crisp Caesar salad
- Garlic bread or a crusty baguette
- A glass of red wine, like Chianti or Merlot
Storing and Reheating
Spaghetti leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water to revive the sauce’s consistency.
Final Thoughts
This easy spaghetti recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Its simplicity, combined with its rich flavor, makes it a go-to meal for all occasions.
With a handful of ingredients and a bit of love, you can create a dish that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant.
So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a comforting plate of homemade spaghetti!
What’s your favorite way to enjoy spaghetti? Share your tips and variations in the comments below!
Easy Spaghetti
Equipment
- 1 large pot (for boiling pasta)
- 1 colander (for draining pasta)
- 1 Large Skillet (for cooking the sauce)
- 1 Wooden spoon (for stirring)
- 1 Chef’s knife (for chopping ingredients)
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- 4 cups water for boiling
- 1 tbsp salt
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 can 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for spice
- 1 tsp sugar to balance acidity
For Garnishing (Optional):
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes) until al dente.
- Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, stirring well.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar.
- Simmer the sauce for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Combine & Serve
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve warm, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- For a Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add mushrooms or zucchini for extra flavor.
- For a Richer Sauce: Simmer the sauce longer (20–30 minutes) to deepen the flavors.
- Make it Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
