Spaghetti is one of the most loved meals in the world, and for good reason. How To Cook Spaghetti Recipe is a simple guide to making classic pasta at home. A spaghetti recipe includes pasta, water, salt, and tasty sauce. It shows easy steps to cook spaghetti soft and full of flavor.
Want to make perfect spaghetti every time? This easy method will help you cook it right. You will learn simple tips for better taste and texture.
This recipe is perfect for beginners who are just learning how to cook, busy parents who need a quick dinner idea, or anyone craving comfort food. You don’t need fancy skills or expensive ingredients. With a few simple steps, you can make a plate of spaghetti that tastes like it came from a cozy Italian kitchen.
Spaghetti is one of the most popular pasta dishes in the world. It is quick to make and great for lunch or dinner. You can serve it with tomato sauce, meat, or vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Recipe
This spaghetti recipe is great because it is:
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Easy to follow
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Made with simple ingredients
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Budget-friendly
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Perfect for weeknight dinners
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Loved by kids and adults
It also makes amazing leftovers, so you can enjoy it again the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the basic ingredients for a classic spaghetti dish with meat sauce:
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400 grams (14 oz) spaghetti pasta
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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500 grams (1 pound) ground beef or chicken
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2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
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½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
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Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
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Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Before you start cooking, make sure you have these tools ready:
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Large pot (for boiling pasta)
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Colander or strainer
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Large frying pan or saucepan
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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Knife and cutting board
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Measuring spoons
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Serving bowl or plates
Having everything ready will make cooking smoother and more fun.
Step-by-Step: How To Cook Spaghetti
1. Boil the Spaghetti
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. This gives the pasta flavor from the inside.
Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Al dente means the pasta is soft but still slightly firm when you bite it.
Once cooked, drain the spaghetti using a colander. Do not rinse it, because the starch helps the sauce stick better.
2. Cook the Meat
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it.
Now add the ground beef or chicken. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it is fully browned and no longer pink. This usually takes 5–7 minutes.
3. Make the Sauce
Once the meat is cooked, add tomato sauce and tomato paste to the pan. Stir well to combine everything.
Add salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and chili flakes if you like a little heat. If your tomatoes taste too sour, add a small amount of sugar to balance the flavor.
Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes. Stir sometimes so it does not stick to the bottom.
Your kitchen will start to smell amazing at this point.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce
You can either mix the spaghetti directly into the sauce or place spaghetti on plates and spoon the sauce on top. Mixing it in the pan helps the pasta soak up more flavor.
Toss gently so the spaghetti is well coated with the rich, meaty sauce.
5. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top. Add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Serve hot and enjoy your homemade spaghetti.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Spaghetti
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Salt your pasta water well. It should taste like the sea. This is your only chance to flavor the pasta itself.
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Do not overcook pasta. Mushy spaghetti is not pleasant. Keep it slightly firm.
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Let the sauce simmer. The longer it cooks gently, the deeper the flavor becomes.
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Save some pasta water. Add a few spoons to the sauce if it looks too thick. It helps make the sauce silky.
Easy Shortcuts
Short on time? Try these shortcuts:
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Use store-bought pasta sauce instead of making sauce from scratch. Just cook the meat and mix it with the sauce.
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Add pre-minced garlic from a jar.
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Use pre-chopped onions to save prep time.
Even with shortcuts, your spaghetti will still taste great.
Recipe Variations and Swaps
This spaghetti recipe is very flexible. You can change it based on what you have.
Make It Vegetarian
Skip the meat and add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
Make It Creamy
Add ¼ cup cream or a spoon of cream cheese to the sauce for a richer taste.
Use Different Protein
Try ground turkey, sausage, or even meatballs instead of ground beef.
Make It Spicy
Add extra chili flakes or a spoon of hot sauce.
Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free
Use whole wheat spaghetti for more fiber or gluten-free pasta if needed.
What to Serve with Spaghetti
Spaghetti is a complete meal, but sides make it even better.
Great Side Dishes
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Garlic bread
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Fresh green salad
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Roasted vegetables
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Steamed broccoli
Drink Pairings
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Lemon water
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Iced tea
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Sparkling water
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Red grape juice or a mild red wine (for adults)
These pairings balance the richness of the pasta and make dinner feel special.
How to Store Leftovers
Spaghetti stores very well, making it perfect for meal prep.
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Let the spaghetti cool completely.
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Place it in an airtight container.
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Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating Tips
Add a splash of water before reheating to keep it from drying out. Heat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat.
Can You Freeze Spaghetti?
Yes, you can freeze spaghetti with sauce for up to 2 months. Store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Notes for Best Results
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Fresh herbs give better flavor, but dried herbs still work well.
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Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt or spices.
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If cooking for kids, you can reduce chili flakes for a milder taste.
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Parmesan cheese adds saltiness, so be careful not to over-salt the sauce.
FAQS
What is the correct way to cook spaghetti?
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add spaghetti and stir to prevent sticking.
Cook according to package instructions until al dente (tender but firm), then drain without rinsing and toss with sauce.
How to cook pasta step by step?
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Boil plenty of salted water. 2) Add pasta and stir. 3) Cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
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Reserve a little pasta water, drain, and mix with your favorite sauce.
What are the 4 ingredients in pasta sauce?
A simple classic sauce uses tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and salt.
You can also add basil or black pepper for extra flavor.
What are the best ingredients to put in spaghetti?
Popular additions include ground beef or chicken, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and Italian herbs.
Top with Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or chili flakes for extra taste.
Who This Recipe Is Perfect For
This spaghetti recipe is perfect for students, beginners, busy families, and anyone who wants a simple, tasty meal. It uses basic ingredients and easy steps, so you don’t need to feel nervous in the kitchen. It is also great for feeding a crowd without spending too much money.
If you are just learning how to cook, this recipe will build your confidence. If you already love cooking, this classic dish will always be a winner on your table.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to cook spaghetti is one of the best kitchen skills you can have. It is simple, comforting, and always satisfying. With a rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and a sprinkle of cheese, this meal brings warmth and happiness to any table.
Try this recipe today and make it your own with your favorite flavors and add-ins.
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