Spaghetti Recipe | Classic Italian Pasta with Tomato Sauce 2025

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Spaghetti Recipe

Introduction

Spaghetti is one of the most loved dishes worldwide, originating from Italy but embraced by countless cultures. Its beauty lies in its versatility — you can make a classic tomato-based spaghetti, a rich and creamy Alfredo version, or even a spicy arrabbiata twist. In this recipe, we’ll focus on the traditional Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Meat (Bolognese style), while also covering vegetarian alternatives, (like Paneer tikka masala ) cooking techniques, and tips for perfect results. an other variation of spaghetti is Chicken Spaghetti (visit for recipe)

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Ingredients for Spaghetti Recipe

Serves: 4–5 people
Cooking Time: 40–50 minutes

For the Spaghetti:

Spaghetti pasta – 400 g (about 14 oz)

Water – 4 liters (1 gallon) for boiling

Salt – 2 tablespoons for pasta water

Olive oil – 1 tablespoon (optional, helps prevent sticking)

For the Sauce (Bolognese Style):

Olive oil – 2 tablespoons

Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped

Garlic – 3 cloves, minced

Carrot – 1 small, finely diced (adds sweetness)

Celery – 1 stick, finely diced (adds depth)

Ground beef – 300 g (can use chicken, turkey, or plant-based mince)

Canned crushed tomatoes – 800 g (about 28 oz)

Tomato paste – 2 tablespoons (for richness)

Beef broth or water – 1 cup

Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon

Dried basil – 1 teaspoon

Red chili flakes – ½ teaspoon (optional, for mild heat)

Salt – 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)

Black pepper – ½ teaspoon

Sugar – ½ teaspoon (to balance acidity)

Fresh basil leaves – handful, chopped (optional for garnish)

Parmesan cheese – for serving

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Step-by-Step Preparation for Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you even turn on the stove, chop the onion, mince the garlic, dice the carrot and celery, and measure all spices. Having everything ready (mise en place) ensures your cooking process is smooth and stress-free.

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Step 2: Boil the Pasta

1. Fill a large pot with about 4 liters (1 gallon) of water.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of salt (this seasons the pasta itself, not just the sauce).
3. Bring water to a rolling boil.
4. Add the spaghetti, stir once to prevent sticking.
5. Cook according to package instructions — usually 8–10 minutes for “al dente” (firm to the bite).
6. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the rest.
7. If you’re not mixing the pasta with sauce immediately, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent clumping.

Pro Tip: Never rinse pasta after draining — it washes away the starch that helps sauce cling to it.

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Step 3: Start the Sauce

1. In a large skillet or deep pan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds (garlic burns quickly, so stir constantly).

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Step 4: Cook the Meat

1. Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
2. Cook until browned and no longer pink (about 5–7 minutes).
3. Drain excess fat if necessary (especially with higher-fat meats).

Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat or increase the veggies (add mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for bulk and flavor).

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Step 5: Build the Sauce

1. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute — this intensifies flavor.
2. Add crushed tomatoes and broth (or water).
3. Sprinkle in oregano, basil, chili flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pro Tip: Simmering longer (even up to 1 hour) deepens the sauce flavor, but keep adding small splashes of water or broth if it gets too thick.

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Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add drained pasta directly into the sauce pan.
2. Pour in a little reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling and create a silky texture.
3. Toss well over low heat for 1–2 minutes until the spaghetti is evenly coated.

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Step 7: Serve

1. Plate the spaghetti in warm bowls.
2. Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
3. Serve with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

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Tips for Perfect Spaghetti Recipe

1. Salt the Pasta Water Well – It should taste like the sea. This is your only chance to season the pasta itself.
2. Cook Pasta Al Dente – Slight firmness makes it taste better and avoids mushy texture when mixed with sauce.
3. Use Pasta Water – The starch in it helps sauce cling naturally.
4. Balance Tomato Acidity – If the sauce tastes too sharp, a pinch of sugar or a splash of cream will help.
5. Fresh Herbs at the End – Add basil or parsley after cooking for maximum aroma.
6. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – When browning meat or sautéing veggies, give them space so they caramelize instead of steaming.
7. Cheese Choices – Parmesan is classic, but Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are great alternatives.

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Variations

1. Vegetarian Spaghetti

Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.

Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

2. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (Garlic & Oil)

Skip tomato sauce and meat entirely.

Spaghetti Recipe, toss with sautéed garlic in olive oil, and sprinkle with chili flakes and parsley.

3. Creamy Alfredo Spaghetti

Replace tomato sauce with a mix of butter, cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

4. Spicy Arrabbiata

Use extra chili flakes and fresh red chilies for heat.

Keep the sauce simple with tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil.

5. Seafood Spaghetti

Replace meat with shrimp, clams, or squid.

Enjoy your delicious homemade spaghetti!

Final Thoughts on Spaghetti Recipe

Spaghetti is one of the most loved Italian pasta dishes, known for its simplicity, flavor, and versatility. With just a few ingredients like pasta, tomato sauce, garlic, and herbs, you can create a restaurant-style meal at home. Whether you prefer classic spaghetti with tomato sauce, creamy carbonara, or rich bolognese, this dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Try this easy spaghetti recipe today and enjoy a delicious homemade Italian pasta that everyone will love!