Tired of the same old spaghetti night? This ultimate list of 44 spaghetti recipes has something for everyone—from creamy and cheesy to spicy and bold. Whether you want quick comfort food or an impressive dinner, these creative twists will satisfy every craving.
Since there are so many different ways to prepare Spaghetti, it can pretty much be customized to any family’s particular preferences. For example, some days, my kid just really can’t stand the idea of eating sauce on his pasta. Simple fix! I typically toss his spaghetti noodles in a bit of butter and add a little garlic salt and Parmesan to flavor it up. There are a ton of variations of spaghetti to choose from!
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When we need an easy to prepare dinner that is incredibly affordable and can feed a crowd, spaghetti is always a top choice! That being said, if I made basic spaghetti the exact same way constantly, I’m pretty sure I would burn the family out pretty quickly. I have gathered a huge variety of different recipes for making this classic family dish in a ton of different ways!
Celebrate National Spaghetti Day with anything from a traditional Spaghetti and Meatballs dish to a Bang Bang Shrimp with Spaghetti pasta dish!
44 Amazing Variations of Spaghetti
Without further ado, in honor of this glorious dish and the wonderful national day it has been given, here are 44 completely awesome spaghetti variations! Try them out and let us know which ones you tried and what you loved in the comments below!!
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Basic Variations of Spaghetti Recipes
Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe
You can’t go wrong with the classic! This recipe from The Rustic Elk is sure to please any Spaghetti lover!
Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
Did you know that Bolognese essentially just means your basic meat sauce? It originated in Bologna, Italy, which is how its name came to be! This recipe from Moms Koop is fantastic!
World’s Best Spaghetti Sauce
This is a sauce recipe that is DEFINITELY worth trying out. It originated from a Pioneer Woman recipe that The Bewitchin Kitchen came across and tried out on her family!
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Go-To Tomato Sauce
This is an incredible recipe seeing as it came about being posted when Tamilee Tips actually interviewed (WHAT?!), Gwyneth Paltrow! This is one of the spaghetti variations you’ll want to check out!!
Spaghetti & Meatballs W/ Ceasar Salad
I have to admit, I am a bit of a salad obsessed mom over here. I LOVE making a salad with Spaghetti and this recipe from Cook With Me Darling pairs perfectly with Ceasar salad!
Baked Spaghetti Variations
Spaghetti and Garlic Bread Bake
In our house, Spaghetti night just isn’t complete without the garlic cheese bread on the side. This creative recipe from Thrifty Jinxy actually makes spaghetti and garlic bread into a casserole-style bake! Genius!
Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
In my opinion, the thing that makes baked pasta tower above regular pasta is the fact that you can pile on the melty, gooey, cheeses! This baked spaghetti and meatballs recipe from My Gorgeous Recipes does just that!
Two Cheese Two Meat Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
This recipe from Intelligent Domestications is surprisingly easy while giving a new twist to the basic Spaghetti variations we are used to!
Skinny Baked Spaghetti
Most of us are always looking for ways to continue making our staple family dishes but with a bit of a healthier take on them. Bewitchin Kitchen has a fantastic way to make a Skinny Baked Spaghetti recipe that won’t disappoint!
Spaghetti Carbonara Variations
Bacon Carbonara Recipe
When you add bacon to spaghetti noodles, nothing can possibly go wrong in the world, right? This Bacon Carbonara Spaghetti from My Gorgeous Recipes is absolutely mouthwatering!
Spaghetti Alla Carbonara
Another take on the Spaghetti Carbonara from Christinas Cucina, this creamy, delicious dish will please the entire family!
Easy Variations of Spaghetti
Instant Pot Garlic Spaghetti
If you have an instant pot or any version of one, you likely know how much easier they make cooking! This Instant Pot spaghetti from Recipe This is a great way to make a family favorite fast and east!
One Pan Spaghetti
Why dirty multiple dishes when you can make this incredibly satisfying one pan spaghetti from Simply Stacie?
Crock-Pot Bolognese Sauce
Making your pasta sauce in the crockpot is the most practical hands-off way for busy moms to make a hearty meal for their families. Tammilee Tips has perfected this one!
No-Cook Fresh Tomato Sauce
Sometimes, we want that Spaghetti concept without the heavy, meaty sauce we are used to. Being a tomato lover myself, I absolutely can not get enough of this No-Cook fresh tomato sauce recipe from Delicious on a Dime.
Instant Pot Garlic Butter Spaghetti
Another Instant Pot recipe, this one will please those family members who just aren’t fans of the red sauces! I have a kid in the house who adores this Garlic Butter Spaghetti recipe from Recipes From A Pantry.
Best Ever Freezer Spaghetti Sauce
As moms, there is nothing we love more than ways to make our lives easier. Making dinners ahead of time and freezing them is my favorite way to make life easier! Freezer Meals 101 has the best Freezer Spaghetti Sauce Recipe!
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Lighter Spaghetti Variations
Spaghetti W/ Oven Dried Parmesan Tomatoes
From delicious roasted tomatoes to that comforting parmesan flavor, this recipe from An Italian In My Kitchen truly hits the spot!
Spaghetti Aglio, Olio e Pepperoncino
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is traditionally made with garlic and olive oil and often red pepper flakes. Check out this tried and true recipe from An Italian in My Kitchen for a unique variation of spaghetti!
Turkey Bolognese
Spaghetti with meat sauce doesn’t have to mean beef! This turkey bolognese recipe from Fab Food 4 All is a healthier version of the traditional spaghetti dish!
Turkey Chorizo Meatballs
Making these turkey chorizo meatballs from Fab Food 4 All is a surefire way to please the entire family on pasta night.
Ground Turkey Spaghetti Sauce Variation
Another basic spaghetti sauce using ground turkey rather than beef, the unique taste of this recipe from Cook This Again Mom is just enough to keep everyone intrigued without tipping off the kids that it’s slightly healthier!
Roasted Tomato and Garlic Spaghetti
Nourish and Fete makes spaghetti new again by utilizing fresh ingredients that are prepared fast and with little to no fuss!
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Garlic Spaghetti
With a name like Bacon is Magic, you know that any recipe is sure to be a hit! This one for Garlic spaghetti pairs with a basil cream sauce to make this dish incredibly satisfying!
Spaghetti Aglio Olio
This recipe from Bacon is Magic is for a simple Spaghetti Aglio Olio, that they have affectionately nicknamed Poor Man’s Pasta!
Seafood Spaghetti Variations
Salmon Pasta W/ Lemon Garlic Butter
I am a huge fan of seafood and pasta, especially when served together! Courtneys Sweets shows us an amazingly easy way to prepare this Salmon Pasta with Lemon Garlic Butter that everyone is going to go nuts over!
Garlic Butter Shrimp W/ Spaghetti
Probably one of my favorite seafood pasta dishes, Garlic butter shrimp with Spaghetti is definitely not your traditional red sauce dish! Try out this recipe from Christinas Cucina for an entirely new way to enjoy pasta!
Lemon Fennel Shrimp Spaghetti
An incredibly easy weeknight meal that can be thrown together in no time! This seafood spaghetti from Cook This Again Mom is a great way to serve pasta without being “basic”.
Bang Bang Shrimp Spaghetti
If this picture doesn’t make your mouth water… Oh my goodness. The creamy delicious flavor in this dish from To Simply Inspire is definitely one to add to your Spaghetti arsenal!
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Spaghetti Squash Variations
Roasted Spaghetti Squash & Mushrooms
Spaghetti Squash has become increasingly popular over the years as people have found it to be a great way to avoid those evil carbs while still serving “pasta” dishes! Try this awesome roasted spaghetti squash and mushroom recipe from Happy Kitchen and see how similar it really is to real pasta!
Spaghetti Squash & Meatballs
This recipe from Raia’s Recipes for Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs is completely grain-free AND egg-free, making it perfect for those with special diet considerations!
Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats
I am a huge fan of lasagna and basically grew up making it from the time I could reach the stove. This healthier version, made with spaghetti squash, from Wholesome Yum is such an awesome way to serve a family favorite without all of those carbs!
Gluten Free Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Anything stuffed and baked is basically a win in my home. Delicious Obsessions shares a great recipe for turning spaghetti squash into a family friendly meal everyone is going to obsess over!
Spaghetti Variations for Specialty Diets
Spaghetti and Vegan Meatballs
This amazing spaghetti and meatballs should be enjoyed by everyone, even if you’re vegan! Happy Kitchen gives us a great recipe for this!
Paleo Pesto Meatballs
The Paleo diet is one that has increased in popularity and therefore, more and more recipes are being created around it. This Paleo Pesto Meatball recipe from Everyday Maven is pure genius!
Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese
Check out this crazy delicious Spaghetti bolognese recipe that you would never even know was vegan! It is so full of flavor and still quite simple to prepare! My Pure Plants really hits the spot with this one!
Easy Vegan Eggplant Meatballs
Using eggplant for these meatballs is seriously creative and I just love the idea! Veggie Desserts makes these vegan eggplant meatballs the best addition to a wonderful spaghetti dinner!
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Unique Spaghetti Variations
Spaghetti and Meatball Muffins
I love finding fun new ways to serve classic favorites and these spaghetti muffins from Mom Always Finds Out definitely fit the bill! My kid LOVES anything in muffin form!
Pasta Frittata Muffins
Another form of Spaghetti muffins, this recipe for Pasta Frittata Muffins from Mom Foodie is so incredibly flavorful you might never make traditional spaghetti again!
Taco Spaghetti
If your family loves taco night but gets tired of the traditional tacos, this taco spaghetti from Who Needs A Cape is one you will want to add to the menu!
30 Minute Taco Spaghetti
Sparkles of Yum has created the best of both worlds with this Mexican style taco spaghetti that can be ready in only 30 minutes! Moms are ALWAYS looking for those quick meal ideas!
Zesty Chicken and Olive Spaghetti
Looking for an entirely new way to make spaghetti that is nothing like the traditional? You have got to check out this chicken and olive spaghetti recipe from Mom Foodie! So zesty and full of flavor that you will be wishing you had leftovers!
Garlic Mushroom Spaghetti with Bacon
Anything with garlic and bacon is a definite win in my book! The Flavours of Kitchen has combined the amazing flavors of mushrooms, garlic, and bacon in this unique spaghetti dish to make a classic into a whole new meal!
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So many spaghetti variations!
I seriously had no idea there were so many variations of spaghetti recipes! Did you guys know that people were making all of these incredible and unique dishes?! I don’t know about you, but I have a huge list of spaghetti recipes to try throughout the year now!
Pasta is a serious staple in our household and as much as I try to avoid carbs, my family loves them! I do supplement with spaghetti squash or spiralized veggies when I can, though!
My Tip:
If you want to just slightly cut back on carbs in your household, try serving spaghetti squash as the pasta and garlic bread as a side. Rather than the traditional carb-filled pasta AND carb-filled bread. 🙂
What Are Your Favorite Variations of Spaghetti?
Does your family have staple Spaghetti recipes that you constantly make? I would love to hear them in the comments!
Farah Zeb is a mother of five, including two children with special needs. She shares practical parenting tips and resources to help other families navigate daily challenges and create supportive, nurturing environments.
