What if dinner could be as simple as tossing ingredients into one skillet? Imagine a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights that requires minimal cleanup. Enter the Easy Spaghetti Skillet Dinner—a quick, comforting dish that brings the essence of classic spaghetti to your table in record time. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself, this recipe is a lifesaver for anyone who loves great food without the hassle.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this is perfect for those busy weeknights!
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required.
- Customizable: Make it your own by tweaking the ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable pantry staples.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 8 ounces spaghetti, broken in half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Ground Meat: Swap beef for turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Use diced tomatoes or tomato sauce in a pinch.
- Broth: Substitute with vegetable broth or water for a lighter flavor.
- Spaghetti: Any pasta works, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Parmesan Cheese: Try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a twist.
How to Make Easy Spaghetti Skillet Dinner (Step-by-Step)
1. Brown the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Build the Sauce
Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), crushed tomatoes, and broth. Mix well to combine.
4. Cook the Pasta
Add the broken spaghetti directly to the skillet, ensuring it’s submerged in the sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender (about 12–15 minutes).
5. Finish and Serve
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Expert Tips for Success
- Even Cooking: Break spaghetti in half to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Prevent Sticking: Stir occasionally while cooking the pasta.
- Taste Test: Check the pasta for doneness a few minutes early.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for depth.
Variations and Customizations
- Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms or lentils.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Cheesy: Add mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy finish.
- Spicy: Increase red pepper flakes or add chopped chili.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh green salad and garlic bread.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Enjoy with a glass of red wine or sparkling water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use whole wheat pasta?
A: Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time as whole wheat pasta takes slightly longer.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, but for best results, cook the pasta fresh and store the sauce separately.
Q: What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
A: Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even nutritional yeast work well.
Related Recipes
- One-Pot Creamy Chicken Alfredo
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Classic Beef Lasagna
- Vegetarian Baked Ziti
- Homemade Marinara Sauce
Conclusion
The Easy Spaghetti Skillet Dinner is a game-changer for anyone craving a hearty, delicious meal with minimal effort. It’s versatile, satisfying, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Try it tonight and discover how this simple dish transforms dinner time into a stress-free, flavorful experience!
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Easy Spaghetti Skillet Dinner
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 Pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (14-ounce) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 8 ounces spaghetti, broken in half
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in chopped onion and garlic. Cook until fragrant and softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, crushed tomatoes, and broth. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the spaghetti. Ensure the noodles are submerged in the liquid.
- Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until spaghetti is al dente.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a creamier texture, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream before serving.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or omitting red pepper flakes.
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