Sure! Here’s a long, detailed, beginner-friendly stovetop spaghetti recipe — no baking involved — written in a warm and easy-to-follow style.
🍝 The Best Spaghetti I’ve Made (That’s Not Baked) – Easy Recipe for Beginners
If you’re craving a comforting bowl of spaghetti but don’t want to deal with baking or complicated steps, this is the perfect recipe for you. This stovetop spaghetti is rich, flavorful, saucy, and incredibly easy — even if it’s your first time cooking pasta!
🛒 Ingredients:
For 2–3 servings:
- 200g (7 oz) dried spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (400g / 14 oz) crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional, for deeper flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Pinch of chili flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- ½ cup pasta cooking water (saved before draining)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
🍳 Instructions:
1. Boil the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water and add a big pinch of salt (this flavors the pasta).
- Bring it to a boil, then add the spaghetti.
- Cook according to the package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes), until al dente (cooked but still firm to the bite).
- Before draining, save about half a cup of the starchy pasta water — you’ll need it later!
- Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds (don’t let it burn).
- Stir in the tomato paste (if using) and cook for 1 minute to enhance the flavor.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well.
- Add sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and chili flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
3. Simmer
- Let the sauce simmer for about 10–15 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally. This helps it thicken and develop flavor.
4. Combine Pasta & Sauce
- Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce.
- Pour in a bit of the reserved pasta water (start with ¼ cup) and toss the spaghetti well until coated in sauce. The starch in the pasta water helps bind the sauce to the noodles.
5. Finish & Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning (add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed).
- Garnish with fresh herbs and a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan (if you like).
👩🍳 Tips for Beginners:
- Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente is best — it holds shape and texture.
- Use fresh garlic, not garlic powder — it makes a big difference.
- Saving pasta water is a secret tip that helps create a silky sauce.
- Tomato paste adds richness but is optional.
- You can add cooked ground beef or chicken if you want to make it meaty!
🍽️ Why This Recipe Works:
- It’s made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- No baking, no oven — everything on the stovetop!
- You learn key cooking skills: boiling pasta, sautéing onions, and building flavor in a sauce.
- It’s versatile: add veggies, protein, or extra spice to make it your own.
Whether it’s your first time cooking or you’re just looking for a quick weeknight meal, this spaghetti will impress without the stress.
Let me know if you want a printable version, meal prep tips, or a short social caption to share it!
