There’s just something unbeatable about a big plate of spaghetti—it’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and always hits the spot. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or feeding a hungry family, this simple pasta dish delivers every time. With tender noodles, a rich, flavorful sauce, and just the right amount of comfort, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Pair it with some cheesy garlic bread, and you’ve got the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
Why Classic Spaghetti Is Always a Win
Classic spaghetti typically means al dente noodles tossed in a rich tomato-based sauce, often seasoned with garlic, onion, herbs, and sometimes ground meat. What makes this dish shine is how easily it can be tailored to your tastes. Want to keep it vegetarian? Skip the meat and boost the herbs. Looking for more protein? Add double the meat, or change it up with Italian sausage.
It’s also easy to use what you have on hand. Jarred marinara sauce can work in a pinch, but simmering crushed tomatoes with garlic and olive oil gives you a homemade taste with just a few extra minutes of effort.
Tip for Success: Don’t Overcook the Pasta
The key to great spaghetti is in the texture of the noodles. Always cook spaghetti until just al dente—it should still have a slight bite. Drain it just before it’s done and let it finish cooking in the sauce for a minute or two. This helps the noodles absorb flavor and keeps the dish from feeling watery or disconnected.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Spaghetti stores well for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth before microwaving or warming on the stove to loosen up the sauce. You can also freeze the sauce separately for up to 3 months—perfect for pulling together a fast dinner on busy nights.
Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ lb ground beef
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil or grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti in salted water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to combine, using reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve hot, topped with basil and Parmesan if desired.
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