Making spaghetti doesn't always mean marinara and meatballs. Check out these different ways to use this pasta—including baked spaghetti, skillet suppers and more.
32 Different Ways to Make Spaghetti
Updated on Sep. 16, 2024
Cowboy Spaghetti
Cowboy spaghetti starts on the stovetop and finishes in the oven, giving you plenty of hands-off time to prepare a salad, or a dessert for after dinner. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, transfer the spaghetti mixture to a 13×9-in. baking dish before putting it in the oven. —Kerry Whitaker, Carthage, Texas
Look no further than this TikTok spaghetti when you need a quick and easy dinner.
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Green Spaghetti
Green spaghetti—AKA espagueti verde— is the creamy Mexican pasta dish you’re going to want to make over and over again. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Also, know what to add to spaghetti sauce make it taste homemade.
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Zucchini Pasta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The taste of this rich and creamy zucchini pasta will have people convinced it’s not low-fat, but it is! Garlicky and fresh-flavored, this will be a hit. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 225 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 403mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1.500 starch, 1.500 fat, 1 vegetable.
Chicken Spaghetti
This easy chicken spaghetti casserole is creamy, hearty and packed with savory flavor. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Avocado Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve this avocado sauce with your favorite pasta as a main dish or side dish. If you’d like to make it heartier, toss in shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled shrimp. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 330 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 247mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
Cacio e Pepe
It sounds like a fancy Italian dish—but cacio e pepe is a simple dinner that’s easy to make. —Lindsay Mattison, Hillsboro, Oregon
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Butternut Squash Pasta
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband can’t eat tomatoes, so this is the perfect alternative pasta sauce. This dish is great garnished with bacon crumbles, caramelized onions, gorgonzola or walnuts. I can’t get enough of this dish! —Gretchen Whelan, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 418 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 10g fiber), 11g protein.
In the mood for something special? Try this garlic butter sauce for pasta!
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Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pasta is a perfect weeknight dinner, especially during the spring and summer months because of the bright lemon flavor. It also tastes great topped with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper and basil. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 305 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 310mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
Sopa de Fideo
Mexican noodle soup is a breeze to make with a handful of pantry staples. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you’re looking for something simple. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, WIsconsin
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Texas Chicken Spaghetti
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe for Texas chicken spaghetti was given to me years ago by a favorite sister-in-law, a wonderful cook. My whole family has the recipe and enjoys it too. It is easy to freeze or it can be made the day before and kept in the fridge. You can use two cans of cream of mushroom soup instead of one mushroom and one chicken. —Virginia Chamblin, Youngsville, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 432 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 1063mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
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Chinese Chicken Spaghetti
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's hard to believe that something that comes together so easily could be this tasty and lower in fat, but this Chinese spaghetti with chicken does it all. If you like your stir-fries extra spicy, increase the red pepper flakes a bit. —Jenna Noel, Glendale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 329 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 449mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Garlic Spaghetti
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this family-favorite garlic spaghetti—or spaghetti aglio e olio—at least a couple of times a month. It's wonderful with a salad and fresh Italian bread. Add red pepper flakes to give it a bit of heat or finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. —Jackie Messina, Chardon, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 398 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 521mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
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Spaghetti Carbonara
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Spaghetti Alla Carbona is a classic Italian recipe. The key is to use the hot pasta water to make the dish creamy. The dish is luxurious, satisfying, comforting, and easy to make! —Luisa Webb, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup : 337 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 539mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
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Firefighters Chicken Spaghetti
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband is a firefighter in our town, and I'm often in the kitchen most of the day making some kind of dinner for the local fire department, neighbors or family to pass around. This spaghetti casserole is a firehouse favorite. —Krista Davis-Keith, New Castle, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 407 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 789mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
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Make-Ahead Spicy Olive Pasta
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a fancy version of my grandchildren's favorite baked spaghetti. It feels like such a special dinner, and it's so cozy for winter. —Louise Miller, Westminster, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 563 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 1104mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein.
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Spicy Bratwurst Supper
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With a zesty sauce and shredded Gouda cheese melted over the top, this tasty bratwurst dish comes together quickly in a skillet. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 630 calories, 51g fat (20g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 1525mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
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Spaghetti Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This attractive, fresh-tasting Italian spaghetti salad recipe can conveniently be prepared the night before. It makes enough for a crowd! —Lucia Johnson, Massena, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 158 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 168mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Mushroom & Bacon Spaghetti Squash Bowl
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This spaghetti squash bowl has a light cream sauce, along with fresh sage and crispy bacon. I love spaghetti squash but get tired of having it with a tomato-based red sauce. This recipe will make you and your family excited about spaghetti squash again! — Emily Montgomery, Madison, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups squash with 3/4 cup sauce: 406 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 1042mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein.
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Cincinnati Chili
Total Time
2 hours 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cinnamon and cocoa give a rich brown color to hearty Cincinnati chili. This dish will warm you up on a cold day. —Edith Joyce, Parkman, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 421 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 443mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 11g fiber), 32g protein.
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Chicken Satay Noodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is so quick and easy. It was given to me by a friend and it tastes just like chicken satay! —Salina Moore, Woodward, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups equals 509 calories, 21 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 42 mg cholesterol, 543 mg sodium, 56 g carbohydrate, 10 g fiber, 29 g protein.
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Broccoli Beef Lo Mein
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves pasta, but I'm always looking for different ways to prepare it. This dish is better than any Chinese restaurant variety I've tried.—Joan Crandall, Burlington, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 435 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1136mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein.
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Greek Spaghetti with Chicken
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Flavorful spaghetti surely provides a comforting dinner. Featuring chicken, spinach and two types of cheese, this is a crowd-pleaser. —Melanie Dalbec, Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 594 calories, 32g fat (10g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 815mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 31g protein.
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Spaghetti with Four Cheeses
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy and cheesy spaghetti dish is my mainstay whenever company's coming. The recipe, handed down from my aunt, is on the table in 30 minutes. As cook and hostess, I never feel hurried preparing this meal. —Nella Parker, Hersey, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 470 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
Want pasta that’s even cheesier? Try our homemade Alfredo sauce recipe.
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Shrimp Pomodoro
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I have hectic schedules, so I’m always looking for fast meals that have special-occasion appeal. Shrimp with garlic, tomatoes and pasta is a winner. —Catherine Jensen, Blytheville, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup shrimp mixture with 1 cup cooked spaghetti: 357 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 653mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
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Grandma’s Cajun Chicken & Spaghetti
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m originally from Louisiana, where my grandma spoke Cajun French as she taught me her spicy chicken spaghetti. —Brenda Melancon, McComb, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup chicken mixture with 3/4 cup spaghetti: 550 calories, 26g fat (8g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 917mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein.
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Monterey Spaghetti
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a working mother with two young boys. Our family leads a very active life, so I make a lot of casseroles. It's so nice to have a hearty side dish the kids will eat. Topped with cheese and french-fried onions, this tasty spaghetti casserole recipe is a hit at our house. —Janet Hibler, Cameron, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 311 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 333mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
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Pork Chops and Spaghetti
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This succulent pork supper was sent in by Ellen Gallavan, Midland, Michigan. The moist chops simmer to perfection in a tangy sauce, then are served over pasta. "This was one of my mother's most-loved recipes," she shares.
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 2/3 cup spaghetti: 587 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 792mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 44g protein.
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Shrimp Pesto Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh basil and dash of red pepper puts zip in this lively shrimp pesto pasta. — Gloria Jones Grenga, Newnan, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 393 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 406mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
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Baked Spaghetti with Cream of Mushroom Soup
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesy crowd-pleasing dish puts a different spin on spaghetti. The leftovers, if there are any, freeze well for a quick future meal. —Ruth Koberna, Brecksville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 239 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
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Taco Spaghetti
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this kid-friendly taco spaghetti recipe one afternoon when I was using up leftover spaghetti and ground beef. When I'm lucky enough to have extra time, I make two batches and freeze one. —Johanna Van Ness, Wichita, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 439 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 927mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
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Skillet Pasta with Bacon and Eggs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without additional cheese) : 486 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 238mg cholesterol, 611mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein.
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Spaghetti with Sausage and Peppers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Smoked turkey sausage with strips of fresh bell peppers is a healthy change of pace from Italian sausage or ground beef in your spaghetti. —Ginger Harrell, El Dorado, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 284 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 899mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 16g protein.
