Description
Few dishes deliver comfort and flavor like a steaming bowl of spaghetti. This Best Spaghetti Recipe combines tender noodles with a rich, savory tomato sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and fresh parsley. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti
1 pound (450 g) spaghetti noodles
4 quarts (3.8 liters) water
1 tablespoon (15 g) salt
1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil (optional, prevents sticking)
For the Sauce
2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup / 120 g)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound (450 g) ground beef or plant-based substitute
1 (28-ounce / 800 g) can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons (33 g) tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
¼ cup (60 ml) water or vegetable broth
¼ cup (10 g) fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional or vegan alternative)
Optional Garnish
Fresh basil leaves
Extra chopped parsley
Grated Parmesan or vegan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add salt and spaghetti. Stir to prevent sticking and cook for 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and drizzle with olive oil if not serving immediately.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
Step 3: Brown the Meat (or Substitute)
Add ground beef or plant-based meat. Break apart and cook for 5–6 minutes, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, thyme, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Add water or broth and mix well.
Simmer 15–20 minutes on low, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and deepen in flavor.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add drained spaghetti to the sauce. Toss until every strand is coated evenly. Let simmer together for 1–2 minutes to absorb flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan. Serve warm with garlic bread or salad.
Notes
Use durum wheat spaghetti for firm, non-mushy noodles.
For a lighter version, replace beef with lentils or mushrooms.
A pinch of sugar balances the acidity of tomatoes naturally.
Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
Fresh herbs enhance flavor—add them right before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1½ cups)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: best spaghetti recipe, easy spaghetti, classic tomato pasta, homemade spaghetti, Italian pasta recipe