40 Fork-Twirling Good Spaghetti Recipes (2024)

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40 Fork-Twirling Good Spaghetti Recipes (1)Amanda TarltonUpdated: Feb. 05, 2024

    If you've got a box of pasta, you've got dinner. Try these impressive spaghetti recipes tonight.

    1/39

    Favorite Baked Spaghetti

    This yummy baked spaghetti casserole will be requested again and again for potlucks and family gatherings. It’s especially popular with my grandchildren, who just love baked spaghetti with all the cheese. —Louise Miller, Westminster, Maryland

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    Look no further than this TikTok spaghetti when you need a quick and easy dinner.

    2/39

    Taste of Home

    Broccoli Beef Lo Mein

    My family loves pasta, but I'm always looking for different ways to prepare it. This dish is better than any Chinese restaurant variety I've tried.—Joan Crandall, Burlington, Connecticut

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    3/39

    Taste of Home

    Spaghetti Pork Chops

    The moist chops simmer to perfection in a tangy sauce, then are served over pasta. This was one of my mother’s most-loved recipes. —Ellen Gallavan, Midland, Michigan

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    4/39

    Pesto Shrimp Pasta

    A dash of red pepper puts zip in this lively main dish. —Gloria Jones Grenga, Newnan, Georgia

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    5/39

    Taste of Home

    Ground Beef Spaghetti Skillet

    I remember my grandma making this stovetop supper many times—we always loved Granny’s spaghetti! My husband and I now enjoy making this for our dinner. You can easily use ground turkey instead of ground beef if that’s what you happen to have on hand. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana

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    6/39

    Taste of Home

    One of my favorite childhood memories is going to the Old Spaghetti Factory with my family and ordering a big plate of cheesy spaghetti, meatballs and garlic bread. My homemade recipe reminds me of those fun times and satisfies everyone's craving for good Italian food. —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona

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    7/39

    Monterey Spaghetti

    I'm a working mother with two young boys. Our family leads a very active life, so I make a lot of casseroles. It's so nice to have a hearty side dish the kids will eat. Topped with cheese and french-fried onions, this tasty spaghetti casserole recipe is a hit at our house. —Janet Hibler, Cameron, Missouri

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    8/39

    Taste of Home

    Spaghetti with Bacon

    As children, we always requested this dish for our birthday dinners. Our mother got the recipe from her grandmother. Now I pass on our tasty tradition. —Ruth Keogh, North St. Paul, Minnesota

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    9/39

    Stovetop Turkey Tetrazzini

    A very special aunt shared this fun spin on creamy tetrazzini. We think it’s even better the next day. —Tasia Cox, Niceville, Florida

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    10/39

    TMB Studio

    Shrimp Puttanesca

    I throw together these bold ingredients for a feisty seafood pasta. —Lynda Balslev, Sausalito, California

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    11/39

    I’m originally from Louisiana, where my grandma spoke Cajun French as she taught me her spicy chicken spaghetti. —Brenda Melancon, McComb, Mississippi

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    12/39

    Florentine Spaghetti Bake

    This hearty sausage entree will appeal to just about everyone. My daughter serves it often to her hardworking family on their wheat ranch in Montana. —Lorraine Martin, Lincoln, California

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    13/39

    Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce

    When my mom made this spaghetti sauce, the house would smell so good that I'd open the windows to torture the neighbors. It even tastes wonderful the next day, when the flavors have really melded. —Vera Schulze, Holbrook, New York

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    14/39

    Taste of Home

    Spaghetti with Sausage and Peppers

    Smoked turkey sausage with strips of fresh bell peppers is a healthy change of pace from Italian sausage or ground beef in your spaghetti. —Ginger Harrell, El Dorado, Arkansas

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    15/39

    Taste of Home

    Creamy Chicken Fettuccine

    Convenient canned soup and process American cheese hurry along the assembly of this creamy sauce loaded with delicious chunks of chicken. —Melissa Cowser, Greenville, Texas

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    16/39

    Pizza Spaghetti

    The idea for this recipe came to me when I saw someone dip a slice of pizza into a pasta dish. My wife and kids love it, and so do my friends! —Robert Smith, Las Vegas, Nevada

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    17/39

    TMB studio

    Rustic Summer Vegetable Pasta

    My veggie pasta proves you can’t have too much of a good thing. Feel free to change it up with whatever fresh veggies are in the garden or farmers market. —Bryn Namavari, Chicago, Illinois

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    18/39

    North Carolina Shrimp Saute

    Seafood is very popular in my state. I altered this recipe several times and now it's truly a family favorite. —Teresa Hildreth, Stoneville, North Carolina

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    19/39

    We love a homemade meal at the end of the day. But the prep involved? Not so much. My Greek-inspired pasta is lemony, herby and, thankfully, easy. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

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    20/39

    Taste of Home

    Quick Carbonara

    Carbonara is a dinnertime classic, but my version cuts down on the time it takes to make. Loaded with ham, bacon, olives, garlic and Parmesan, it certainly doesn't skimp on flavor. —Carole Martin, Tallahassee, Florida

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    21/39

    Taste of Home

    Church Supper Spaghetti

    Because this recipe feeds so many, I often take it to church dinners and potlucks. This colorful dish also comes in handy when we have lots of help to feed on our farm. —Verlyn Wilson, Wilkinson, Indiana

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    22/39

    Taste of Home

    Nana's Italian Roulade

    My great-aunt from Sicily taught my mother how to stuff and bake a steak in a jelly-roll style. It’s unique and really special in our family. —Roseanne McDonald, Days Creek, Oregon

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    23/39

    I'm always on the lookout for healthy recipes for my family. If you find yourself craving Italian food, this delicious 30-minute meal hits the spot. —Susan Wholley, Fairfield, Connecticut

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    24/39

    Stamp-of-Approval Spaghetti Sauce

    My father is very opinionated, especially about food. This recipe received his almost unreachable stamp of approval. I have yet to hear a disagreement from anyone who has tried it! —Melissa Taylor, Higley, Arizona

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    25/39

    Mozzarella Baked Spaghetti

    This satisfying easy baked spaghetti recipe comes together and will please everyone at your table. Add a salad and breadsticks, and dinner's done. —Betty Rabe, Mahtomedi, Minnesota

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    26/39

    Rosemary Shrimp with Spaghetti

    I came up with this recipe on a busy weeknight when I was pressed for time. Now it’s my go-to dish whenever I need a quick, nutritious meal. Serve this with garlic bread so you can scoop every last bit of goodness off your plate! —Candace Havely, Sterling, Colorado

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    27/39

    One-Pot Spaghetti Dinner

    Mamma mia! What’s the secret to this one-pot spaghetti? A homemade jar sauce and a one-pot cooking method makes this family favorite recipe quick and delicious. —Carol Benzel-Schmidt, Stanwood, Washington

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    28/39

    Southwestern Spaghetti

    Chili powder and cumin give a mild Mexican flavor to this colorful one-skillet supper. With chunks of fresh zucchini, it's a nice change of pace from typical spaghetti dishes. —Beth Coffee, Hartford City, Indiana

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    29/39

    I’ve been cooking for 50 years, and this dish is still one that guests request frequently. It is my No. 1 standby recipe and also makes amazing meatball sandwiches. The sauce works for any type of pasta. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida

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    30/39

    Taste of Home

    Mushroom Turkey Tetrazzini

    This creamy, comforting casserole makes a fantastic way to use up that leftover Thanksgiving turkey. And it’s a real family-pleaser! —Linda Howe, Lisle, Illinois.

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    31/39

    Taco Spaghetti

    I came up with this kid-friendly taco spaghetti recipe one afternoon when I was using up leftover spaghetti and ground beef. When I'm lucky enough to have extra time, I make two batches and freeze one. —Johanna Van Ness, Wichita, Kansas

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    32/39

    Taste of Home

    Spinach-Beef Spaghetti Pie

    With its angel hair pasta crust, this cheesy ground beef, tomato and spinach pie is always a hit when I serve it. Each neat slice has layers of pasta, cream cheese filling and spinach topping. —Carol Hicks Pensacola, Florida

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    33/39

    Rich Baked Spaghetti

    It takes a little longer to make baked spaghetti, but the difference in taste, texture and richness is well worth the time. I serve this lasagna-style dish with a tossed green salad and breadsticks for a hearty, healthy meal. —Betty Rabe, Mahtomedi, Minnesota

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    34/39

    Taste of Home

    Hearty Garden Spaghetti

    My husband and I wanted a pleasing dish that didn’t leave a ton of leftovers. My spaghetti with beef and fresh veggies is perfectly filling for four. —Wanda Quist, Loveland, Colorado

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    35/39

    When I get a craving for homemade tomato sauce, I make a zesty batch to toss with chicken and veggies. The flavors do wonders for penne, too. —Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, Maryland

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    36/39

    Taste of Home

    I developed this one-skillet spaghetti and meatball dish to cut down on cooking time on busy nights. The beans, artichokes and tomatoes bump up the nutrition factor, while the lemon and parsley make it pop with brightness. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

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    37/39

    Taste of Home

    This is the recipe my daughters and I often make for new parents when they come home from the hospital. With its creamy spaghetti filling and melted cheese topping, this casserole holds a nice cut and comforts hungry tummies. —Fancheon Resler, Bluffton, Indiana

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    38/39

    If you like a good stir-fry, this beef and spinach lo mein will definitely satisfy. I discovered the recipe at an international luncheon, and it's now a favorite go-to meal. —Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, Ohio

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    39/39

    Thai Chicken Pasta Salad

    I combined several recipes to come up with my healthier twist on traditional pad thai. My version has only one-third the sodium of frozen versions you find in the store. —Beth Dauenhauer, Pueblo, Colorado

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    Originally Published: March 26, 2019

    40 Fork-Twirling Good Spaghetti Recipes (40)

    Amanda Tarlton

    Amanda has more than a decade of media experience, specifically in product testing in the cooking and lifestyle space. As a freelancer for Taste of Home, Amanda writes mostly about foodie finds, home and lifestyle goods and cooking and baking utensils that make life easier (and more fun!). Outside of freelancing, Amanda is the executive editor of commerce at Field & Stream.

    When she's not working, Amanda is on the lookout for the best pizzas in town or testing out secret menu items at restaurants and coffee shops.

    40 Fork-Twirling Good Spaghetti Recipes (2024)

    FAQs

    What can I add to spaghetti sauce to make it taste better? ›

    Tossing in strips of basil, a sprig of thyme or some oregano can take your sauce to the next level. Although fresh herbs might pop a bit more, dried herbs and spices can work just as well. Sprinkling in some red pepper flakes, a pinch of parsley and a dash of salt and pepper can liven up your jarred pasta sauce.

    How do you cook spaghetti for a large crowd? ›

    Learn how to cook spaghetti for huge crowds with stress-relieving, time-saving tricks.
    1. Prep and Store Key Ingredients. ...
    2. Cook Enough Noodles. ...
    3. Use Less Water for the Noodles. ...
    4. Store Cooked Noodles in the Freezer. ...
    5. Use a Slow Cooker. ...
    6. Freeze Your Spaghetti Sauce. ...
    7. Prep Toppings a Day Before. ...
    8. Pre-Soak Spaghetti Noodles.

    How can I make my spaghetti more interesting? ›

    Here are my favorite ways to make canned spaghetti sauce more exciting!
    1. 1 - Extra virgin olive oil. Adding a good amount of a flavorful olive oil will go a long way in infusing flavor into your sauce. ...
    2. 2 - Fresh garlic. ...
    3. 3 - Meat. ...
    4. 4 - Hot pepper flakes. ...
    5. 5 - Red wine. ...
    6. 6 - Fresh or dried herbs. ...
    7. 7 - Cheese. ...
    8. 8 - Cream and/or butter.
    Feb 26, 2018

    How do you serve pasta to a large group? ›

    Just put the desired amount of cooked pasta into a zipper sealed bag and freeze it. At dinner time, just pop the frozen pasta into some boiling water and it will be hot, fresh and ready to eat in about 2-3 minutes.

    What gives spaghetti sauce depth of flavor? ›

    The rich, peppery taste of many red wines enhances the other elements found in red sauce, leading to deep, delicious flavor throughout. Plus, depending on the cooking wine you choose, it either adds some sweetness or a dry element, both of which are great for marinara.

    How much spaghetti do I need for 30 people? ›

    When you cook pasta, 2 ounces (56 g) of dry pasta per person is a good rule of thumb to follow.

    How much spaghetti sauce do I need to feed 50 people? ›

    When calculating how much sauce for pasta per person, generally about 2 to 4 ounces (1/4 to 1/2 cup) of sauce for each 2 ounce (about 1 cup cooked) serving of pasta would be needed.

    How much spaghetti do I need to feed 20 people? ›

    How many pounds of spaghetti are there for 20? One pound (lb) is defined as 16 ounces. So it would take 2.5 lb spaghetti to make 20 servings. FYI, that official serving size of 2 oz/serving makes a very small plate of spaghetti!

    How do you make spaghetti taste like a restaurant? ›

    5 Ways to Make Pasta Taste Like It Does in a Restaurant (Without Cream)
    1. Don't cook the pasta in advance. Raise your hand if you've ever had your noodles finish cooking before your sauce is done. ...
    2. Finish cooking the pasta in the sauce. ...
    3. Save the pasta cooking water. ...
    4. Add the cheese at the end. ...
    5. Skip the dairy altogether.
    Nov 16, 2017

    How can I dress up spaghetti? ›

    6 simple ways to dress up a spaghetti dinner
    1. Bread Crumb Spaghetti. This one's another extra-simple dinner. ...
    2. Drunken Spaghetti With Shrimp (Spaghetti Khii Mao). ...
    3. Spaghetti With Shrimp and Pesto. ...
    4. Spaghetti Puttanesca With Cannellini Beans. ...
    5. Spaghetti Alla Chitarra.
    Aug 24, 2020

    What does adding milk to spaghetti do? ›

    It sounds unconventional to use milk in a meaty red sauce, but upon further investigation, it makes total sense why Italians swear by it. According to our Food Director Amira, not only does milk add a rich flavour to the bolognese, but it also “helps cut through the acidity of the tomatoes and red wine”.

    How much pasta do I need for 40 people? ›

    For 40 people it would be 4 kilos, that is about 8.8 pounds. 100 grams is not a big portion even though it's well balanced in terms of caloric intake… but It all depends on whether you're going to have a second course or pasta is intended to be the only course.

    How do I make pasta ahead of time for a crowd? ›

    Drizzle the pasta with a little bit of olive oil, 1 to 2 teaspoons of oil per pound of pasta. Toss to coat and spread the pasta in a single layer on a sheet pan to cool. Once completely cooled, put the pasta in an airtight container or ziplock bag for storage in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    How many pounds of pasta do I need to feed 25 people? ›

    1 pound feeds 4 people. 6 pound feeds 24 people and a quarter of a pound will feed the 25th person. Six and a quarter pounds of pasta is needed.

    How do you fix bland spaghetti sauce? ›

    Your spaghetti sauce may taste bland due to insufficient seasoning. Try adding more salt, herbs (like basil, oregano, or thyme), and other flavor enhancers like garlic, onion, or red pepper flakes. Also, a dash of sugar can balance flavors and bring out the natural sweetness of tomatoes.

    What is the secret to good tomato sauce? ›

    Starting with good quality tomatoes and crushing them by hand offers great flavor and texture later on. The combination of butter and oil releases fat-soluble aromatics and gives the sauce a creamy texture. Slowly cooking the sauce in the oven creates rich caramelization without burning.

    How do you make tomato sauce taste better for spaghetti? ›

    Herbs: Add some dried herbs such as oregano, basil, or thyme for some extra flavor. Red pepper flakes: If you like some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Parmesan cheese: Grate some Parmesan cheese over the top of the spaghetti before serving.

    Does sugar make spaghetti sauce taste better? ›

    Yes, sugar might make the sauce taste better, but good old baking soda is an alkaline that will help balance the excess acid. A little pinch should do the trick.

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