This Easy Weeknight Spaghetti is my ultimate go-to solution for busy evenings when I’m craving something hearty, comforting, and downright delicious—but don’t want to fuss in the kitchen all night. Featuring a rich, savory meat sauce slicked over perfectly tangled strands of spaghetti, it comes together with simple pantry staples and a handful of fresh touches. Trust me, one bite and you’ll see why this dish earns a regular spot in my weeknight rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of savory meat sauce and tender spaghetti noodles fills you up and warms your soul.
- Weeknight-Friendly: With just about 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits right into a busy evening—no sacrifices on flavor required.
- Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, meat-lovers, or vegetarians (see the variations!), everyone walks away happy.
- Simple Ingredients, Major Flavor: Basic pantry items like onion, garlic, herbs, and tomatoes come alive with a few easy tricks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about Easy Weeknight Spaghetti is how you only need a handful of familiar ingredients—each one adds something special, from savory depth to a burst of freshness. Here’s how they all come together to create magic in one pot.
- Dried Spaghetti (1 pound): The classic noodle for a reason—perfectly chewy with plenty of surface area for the sauce to cling to. Any favorite pasta shape will work, but spaghetti brings the nostalgia!
- Lean Ground Meat (1 pound): You can use ground beef or turkey; they create a hearty, flavorful base for the sauce. Opting for leaner meat keeps things light but still rich.
- Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): A quick sauté in good olive oil adds a noticeable layer of richness and helps everything brown nicely.
- Chopped Onion (1 cup): Onion becomes sweet and mellow as it cooks, laying a savory foundation for the whole dish.
- Minced Garlic (3 cloves): Garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and that comforting Italian flavor.
- Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons): This simple addition brings concentrated tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Dried Oregano (1/2 teaspoon): A pinch of oregano gives the sauce its signature herby kick—don’t skip it!
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Pinch): Just enough to add subtle warmth (adjust to taste if you like it spicier).
- Water, Broth, or Dry Red Wine (1 cup): Use what you love—water lets the tomato shine, broth adds savory depth, and wine brings rich complexity.
- Crushed Tomatoes (28-ounce can): The star of your sauce! High-quality tomatoes pay off here, so choose your favorite brand.
- Salt and Fresh Ground Black Pepper: Crank up the flavor and balance the sauce to taste.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Stirred in at the end for a burst of color and garden-fresh aroma—plus, extra for sprinkling on top looks so inviting!
- Parmesan Cheese: For the perfect savory-salty finish. Shave or grate it fresh for best results!
Variations
Easy Weeknight Spaghetti is practically made for customizing, so feel free to get creative with what you have on hand or adjust for dietary needs. Here are some of my favorite ways to keep things fresh and exciting.
- Veggie-Packed: Stir in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the onions for even more color and hearty texture.
- Meatless: Swap in lentils or crumbled plant-based meat for a vegetarian-friendly sauce that’s still robust and flavorful.
- Spicier Kick: Double up on the red pepper flakes, or add some chopped Calabrian chiles for those who like it hot.
- Cheesy Twist: Layer in some ricotta or mozzarella at the end for an extra-indulgent, creamy finish.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti for all the flavor and none of the gluten—no one will notice the difference!
How to Make Easy Weeknight Spaghetti
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your ground meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This not only develops those delicious browned bits (hello, flavor!) but also gives your sauce a great foundation. Cook until the meat is nicely browned and crumbly, about 8 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Tumble in your chopped onions and let them cook until they’re soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic, tomato paste, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything around for one minute until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly—this little step seriously amplifies the flavor of your sauce.
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in your liquid of choice (water, broth, or wine), using your spoon to scrape up any caramelized bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. These are liquid gold for flavor! Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, and plenty of black pepper. Bring the whole mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away, uncovered, for 25 minutes—stirring and tasting a few times as it cooks. Don’t be shy with the salt; a properly seasoned sauce makes all the difference.
Step 4: Boil the Pasta
About 15 minutes before the sauce is ready, fill a large pot with water, bring it to a rolling boil, and throw in a generous handful of salt. Add your spaghetti and cook according to package directions, but start checking for doneness a couple of minutes early. You want that perfect tender-chewy bite!
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Take the sauce off the heat and stir in a big handful of fresh basil. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the sauce, tossing well so every noodle gets a glossy coating. Let everything sit for just a minute—this helps the spaghetti soak up even more flavor. Toss one last time, then serve in bowls with a shower of grated parmesan and extra basil. Dig in right away and prepare for pure comfort!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Weeknight Spaghetti
- Layer Your Seasoning: Salt the sauce in stages as you taste, not just at the end—this helps the flavors meld and keeps things perfectly balanced.
- Deglaze Like a Pro: Don’t skip scraping up those browned bits after browning the meat—this adds incredible depth you can’t get any other way!
- Pasta Water Power: If your sauce feels thick after combining, stir in a splash of the starchy pasta cooking water for perfect sauciness that clings to each strand.
- Flavor Boosters: Add a parmesan rind, a spoonful of mushroom powder, or even a dash of anchovy paste for umami richness no one can put their finger on.
How to Serve Easy Weeknight Spaghetti
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, sprinkle bowls of Easy Weeknight Spaghetti with freshly grated parmesan, torn basil leaves, and maybe a crack of black pepper. A drizzle of good olive oil right before serving adds lovely gloss and a fruity kick, too. If you’re feeling extra-fancy, a handful of toasted pine nuts can be a fun, nutty touch!
Side Dishes
No bowl of spaghetti is complete without a cozy side. I love pairing mine with crusty bread for mopping up every drop of sauce, or tossing together a bright green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables—think broccoli, green beans, or asparagus—make super easy companions, too.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Easy Weeknight Spaghetti into a true showstopper by twirling it into individual nests on each plate, topping with delicate basil leaves and generous parmesan shavings. For family dinner, serve it straight from the pot at the table, letting everyone help themselves for maximum comfort. Or, scoop into mini ramekins for a playful, party-ready approach—kids love it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Weeknight Spaghetti is a dream for next-day lunches or super quick dinners. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and stash them in the fridge, where they’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get even better as the sauce has more time to meld!
Freezing
If you want to freeze, I recommend portioning out just the meat sauce (without pasta) into freezer-safe containers or bags; it’ll hold up for about 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and cook up fresh pasta when you’re ready to eat for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the spaghetti and sauce together in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen things up. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring a couple of times for even heating. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh cheese and basil before you dig in again!
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta for Easy Weeknight Spaghetti?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, this sauce plays well with any pasta shape you love—try penne, rigatoni, or even spirals. The recipe is flexible, so use what you have on hand or what your family prefers.
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How do I make the sauce less acidic if it tastes too sharp?
If your sauce tastes a bit too tangy, simply stir in a small pinch of sugar (start with 1/4 teaspoon) while it simmers. You can also add a splash more broth or a pat of butter to round out the flavors.
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Can I make Easy Weeknight Spaghetti ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated, or frozen for longer storage. When you’re ready, cook fresh pasta and combine just before serving for the best texture.
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What can I add for even more flavor?
For a flavor boost, toss in a parmesan rind as the sauce simmers, add a dash of fish sauce or minced anchovies for umami (trust me!), or finish with a swirl of good olive oil before serving. A spoonful of mushroom powder is another secret chef’s trick!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wished dinnertime could be both easy and extraordinary, Easy Weeknight Spaghetti is your answer! I hope you’ll give it a try—gather your favorite people, set out some parmesan and basil, and let the comfort (and compliments) roll in. Happy cooking!
Print
Easy Weeknight Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and delicious recipe for Easy Weeknight Spaghetti that’s perfect for busy evenings. This hearty dish features a savory meat sauce infused with aromatic herbs and served over a bed of al dente spaghetti. Topped with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, it’s a comforting meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 1 pound (450g) dried spaghetti
Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground meat (beef or turkey)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup (130g) chopped onion
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup water, broth, or dry red wine
- 1 (28oz) can crushed tomatoes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Handful of fresh basil leaves
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pot, brown the meat, then add onion and cook until softened.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in garlic, tomato paste, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook briefly.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in water or wine, add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 25 minutes.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil salted water, cook spaghetti until al dente.
- Combine and Serve: Stir basil into the sauce, mix with cooked pasta, and serve with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, sugar, or flavor enhancers like fish sauce or anchovies if needed.
- Adding a parmesan rind to the sauce while cooking adds depth of flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup of sauce with spaghetti)
- Calories: Approx. 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
