Are you tired of the same old pasta dishes? Look no further! In this article, we’ll be exploring a collection of 20 delicious and nutritious spaghetti recipes that are sure to spice up your meal routine. From classic favorites with a twist to innovative vegan and gluten-free options, these mouth-watering meals will satisfy your cravings while nourishing your body.
From whole wheat spaghetti dishes like our Garlic and Olive Oil recipe to zucchini noodle alternatives like our Avocado Pesto creation, there’s something for everyone in this roundup. And don’t even get us started on the flavorful and nutritious sauce options – from lentil bolognese to roasted vegetable and chickpea concoctions, your taste buds will be doing the happy dance.
So grab a fork and let’s dive into these 20 healthy spaghetti recipes that are sure to become new favorites. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or hearty and satisfying, we’ve got you covered with these innovative and delicious takes on the classic pasta dish.
Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil
A simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the nutty taste of whole wheat spaghetti with the richness of garlic and olive oil.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound whole wheat spaghetti
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 4-5 minutes or until fragrant and golden brown, stirring occasionally.
3. Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the garlic and olive oil. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Zucchini Noodle Spaghetti with Avocado Pesto
This recipe is a creative twist on traditional spaghetti, swapping out wheat noodles for zucchini noodles and adding a creamy avocado pesto sauce. The result is a light, refreshing, and healthy take on a classic dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup avocado
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, basil leaves, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
4. With the blender or food processor still running, slowly pour in olive oil until well combined.
5. Cook the zucchini noodles according to package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes).
6. Toss cooked zucchini noodles with avocado pesto sauce and top with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spaghetti with Lentil Bolognese
A twist on the classic Italian dish, this recipe adds protein-rich lentils to a rich and flavorful tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pound spaghetti
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the lentils, mixed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and dried basil to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, covered, for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
5. Cook the spaghetti in boiling, salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
6. Combine the cooked spaghetti with the lentil sauce, adding some reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Quinoa Spaghetti with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes
A nutritious twist on traditional spaghetti, this recipe combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the freshness of spinach and cherry tomatoes. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 (14.5 oz) can cherry tomatoes, drained and halved
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using water or broth. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they release their juices, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Stir in cooked quinoa and spinach leaves. Cook until spinach has wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meatballs
This recipe combines flavorful turkey meatballs with the nutty taste of spaghetti squash, creating a delicious and healthy meal option. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium spaghetti squash
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds.
3. Bake the squash for 30-40 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
4. In a large bowl, combine turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Form into meatballs and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Simmer marinara sauce in a separate pot while the squash and meatballs cook.
7. Serve the turkey meatballs over the roasted spaghetti squash with marinara sauce.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Spaghetti with Roasted Vegetables and Chickpeas
A flavorful and nutritious pasta dish that combines the comforting goodness of spaghetti with the natural sweetness of roasted vegetables and the protein-richness of chickpeas.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
– 1 medium eggplant, sliced
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss bell pepper, zucchinis, and eggplant with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
4. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. In a large skillet, combine roasted vegetables and chickpeas. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing everything together to combine.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Gluten-Free Spaghetti with Mushroom Ragu
A classic Italian-inspired dish gets a gluten-free twist! This recipe combines tender spaghetti with a rich and savory mushroom ragu, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound gluten-free spaghetti
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dry white wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and cook until translucent, 3-4 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown, 5-6 minutes.
4. Add wine, broth, tomato paste, and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Toss cooked spaghetti with mushroom ragu and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spaghetti with Kale and White Bean Sauce
This comforting pasta dish combines the simplicity of spaghetti with the nutritional powerhouses of kale and cannellini beans, all wrapped up in a rich and creamy sauce. A perfect meal for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 2 cups chopped kale
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then reserve.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add kale to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Stir in cannellini beans, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Toss cooked spaghetti with the kale and bean sauce. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spaghetti with Light Lemon Garlic Shrimp
A bright and citrusy twist on classic spaghetti with shrimp, this recipe combines the flavors of lemon and garlic with succulent shrimp for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
4. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. Add lemon juice to the skillet and stir to combine with garlic residue. Cook for an additional 30 seconds.
6. Add reserved pasta water to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
7. Combine cooked spaghetti, shrimp, and lemon-garlic sauce in a large serving bowl. Toss to coat.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spaghetti with Broccoli and Almond Pesto
This vibrant pasta dish combines the classic flavors of spaghetti and broccoli with the creamy richness of almond pesto, making for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 1/2 cup blanched almonds
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine almonds, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil. Blend until smooth, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
3. In a large skillet, sauté broccoli in a little olive oil until tender but still crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine cooked spaghetti, broccoli, and almond pesto. Toss everything together, adding more pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spaghetti with Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Sauce
Transform your spaghetti game with the sweet and savory combination of roasted red peppers and walnuts.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 2 large red bell peppers
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roast the red bell peppers for 30-40 minutes, or until charred and blistered.
3. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool.
4. Peel off the skin, discard seeds, and chop the flesh into small pieces.
5. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
7. Add the roasted red pepper and walnut mixture to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
8. Combine cooked spaghetti and sauce in a serving bowl. Top with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Spaghetti with Grilled Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This classic Italian-inspired dish combines the flavors of grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and al dente spaghetti for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. Slice grilled chicken into thin strips. Toss with cooked spaghetti, sun-dried tomato mixture, and chopped parsley (if using).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce
This classic Italian dish is a staple for any occasion, with its simplicity and flavor profile making it a crowd-pleaser. This recipe uses the freshest ingredients to create a delicious and light tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Add diced tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Stir in chopped basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked spaghetti and tomato sauce. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spaghetti with Tuna and Capers in Olive Oil
A classic Italian-inspired dish that combines the simplicity of spaghetti with the bold flavors of tuna, capers, and olive oil. This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained and flaked
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add tuna and capers; stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
4. Add reserved pasta water to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Combine cooked spaghetti with tuna mixture, tossing to coat.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spaghetti with Roasted Eggplant and Tahini Drizzle
Transform spaghetti into a flavorful and nutritious meal with the addition of roasted eggplant and a creamy tahini drizzle.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp honey
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss eggplant slices with olive oil, garlic, and salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
3. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, and honey until smooth.
5. Combine cooked spaghetti with roasted eggplant and drizzle with tahini sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Spaghetti with Asparagus and Peas in Light Cream Sauce
This creamy spaghetti dish is a perfect way to welcome spring with the sweetness of asparagus and peas. A light and airy sauce made with heavy cream adds richness without overpowering the delicate flavors of the vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 1 cup fresh peas (or frozen)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup light cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add asparagus and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add peas and cook for an additional minute.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together flour and light cream until smooth. Pour the cream mixture into the vegetable pan and stir to combine.
4. Combine cooked spaghetti with the asparagus-pea sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spaghetti with Turkey Sausage and Bell Peppers
This hearty pasta dish combines the flavors of turkey sausage, bell peppers, and spaghetti for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound spaghetti
– 2 turkey sausages (sweet or hot), sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, cook sliced turkey sausage over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add sliced bell peppers; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes; season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine cooked spaghetti, turkey sausage mixture, and grated Parmesan cheese (if using). Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spaghetti with Edamame and Sesame Ginger Dressing
This Asian-inspired pasta dish combines the nutty flavor of edamame with the savory taste of sesame ginger dressing, all wrapped up in a delicious spaghetti package. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 1 cup frozen edamame, thawed
– 2 tbsp sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tsp grated fresh ginger
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger; cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add edamame, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until edamame is tender.
4. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to combine with edamame mixture. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spaghetti with Butternut Squash and Sage
This recipe combines the warmth of butternut squash with the earthy flavor of sage to create a delicious and comforting twist on traditional spaghetti.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 3 tbsp olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tsp dried sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss squash cubes with 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
3. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add roasted squash, sage, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Combine cooked spaghetti with squash mixture. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Spaghetti with Smoked Salmon and Dill Yogurt Sauce
This Scandinavian-inspired pasta dish combines the richness of smoked salmon with the brightness of dill and a tangy yogurt sauce. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 6 oz smoked salmon, flaked
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together yogurt, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the flaked salmon and cook for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through.
4. Combine the cooked spaghetti, reserved pasta water, and smoked salmon mixture. Toss to combine, adding more yogurt sauce if desired.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh dill if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a delicious and healthy twist on classic spaghetti recipes! This collection of 20 nutritious recipes offers a variety of flavors and textures that are sure to please. From whole wheat spaghetti with garlic and olive oil, to zucchini noodle spaghetti with avocado pesto, and quinoa spaghetti with spinach and cherry tomatoes, there’s something for every taste bud. Enjoy healthy and satisfying meals with these creative and mouthwatering spaghetti recipes!
