Bored by meatballs? These recipes will inspire you to use your noodles differently this week. From classic carbonara to a colorful spin on summer pasta salad, these spaghetti noodle recipes will have you buying this popular style of pasta in bulk.
Spaghetti Carbonara
Pretend like you’re dining at a trattoria in Rome by recreating this classic pasta that is said to have originated in that town. The spaghetti noodle recipe is typically made with eggs, finely-grated hard cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano or Parmesan), black pepper, and cured pork, such as pancetta or bacon. While it’s not traditional, we love to crank up the color and make this dish our own by tossing in a cup of thawed frozen peas, chopped roasted red pepper, or any leftover roasted veggies hanging out in the fridge.
Lightened-Up Spaghetti Pie
Add this easy family dinner to your menu if you want a classic meat sauce spaghetti noodle recipe. Since we suggest high-protein ground turkey or beef, cottage cheese, a bounty of veggies, and tomato sauce, this format allows you to transform a mere 4 ounces of spaghetti into a satisfying supper for six. As it bakes for 25 minutes, toss together your favorite side salad recipe to round out the meal.
One-Pot Spaghetti
This recipe with spaghetti noodles has been one of the most popular in our archives for more than four decades, and for good reason, according to BHG fan Becky. She says, “I have used this for several years. It is in the plaid cookbook I got 45 years ago. My family likes it, and it is easy.” That’s because it’s a completely one-pot meal; the noodles boil in tomato paste-chicken broth mixture. The resulting pasta is tender and infused with flavor.
Test Kitchen Tip
We call for mushrooms, onion, and ground beef or sausage to set the scene for this one-pot recipe, but feel free to customize with another protein (such as plant-based meat crumbles) and any vegetables you have hanging out in your crisper drawer.
Mini Spaghetti and Meatball Pies
Sure, you could use it to make a batch of cupcakes or muffins. But why wait for dessert or brunch tomorrow when you can make the most of the versatile pan to prepare a savory, kid-friendly dish? In each cup of this surprising muffin tin recipe, top cheesy, cooked spaghetti with a meatball and sauce, then bake until warm. Crown each cup with cheese, and you have 12 mini “bowls” of spaghetti and meatballs. A single one can act as a hearty appetizer. Alongside a salad, two make for a meal.
Summer Spaghetti Salad
Why should short-cut noodles get all of the glory in pasta salad? This colorful, vegetable-boosted spaghetti noodle recipe shows how the long strands can be spectacular in the cool noodle dish. To sneak in even more flavor, we cook the pasta in garlicky broth (rather than water). No need to drain; simply mix the cool, al dente noodles with vegetables, cheese, toasted walnuts, herbs, oil, and vinegar. No one will ever miss the fusilli or farfalle.