Spaghetti Dinner Ideas

It may seem a simple ingredient, but our flavour-packed spaghetti ideas will take this humble, great-value Italian staple to top-tier status in a flash.

Content editor

Ellie Spicer

What goes well with spaghetti?

Spaghetti is a classic Italian pasta shape - long, thin and noodle-like – that has been loved in the UK for decades. A versatile choice for both weeknight suppers and weekend feasts, spaghetti is commonly made with 00 flour for a chewy, pliable texture that happily soaks up your chosen sauce. Our Remarksable Value dried spaghetti is expertly crafted in the Italian Alps by the Felicetti family, and it's only 75p.

While similar to its cousins, tagliatelle (long, thin, flat) and bucatini (long, thin, tubular), spaghetti has a uniquely solid centre that lends itself to al dente (with bite) cookery. To achieve this, bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt generously. A good rule of thumb is that your water should be as salty as the sea. Fresh spaghetti will cook in just 2-4 minutes, while dried will take 8-10 minutes.

When it comes to sauces that pair well with spaghetti, the world is your oyster. Whether you go for something sweet with jammy tomatoes, rich and creamy with eggs, or vibrant with fresh herbs, the unique shape and texture of spaghetti allows sauce to cling to every strand.

Pasta recipes

Top dinner Ideas to make with spaghetti

The classics are classic for a reason, and when it comes to spaghetti dinners, these are unbeatable:

Spaghetti bolognese: a rich meat (or plant-based) ragu that coats strands of spaghetti
Spaghetti carbonara: traditionally made with eggs, pancetta and plenty of cheese, silkily emulsified with pasta water
Spaghetti and meatballs: a family-favourite hybrid dish, inspired by our American cousins
Spaghetti and seafood: whether it’s prawns, clams (vongole) or even tinned tuna
Spaghetti with pesto: a herbaceous midweek saviour that’s easily elevated for special occasions

Not sure which pasta to pair with your sauce? Read our types of pasta guide for more advice.

Best spaghetti dinner ideas to try

Now you know how to cook spaghetti like an Italian, it’s time to experiment with your toppings. Whether you’re planning your weekly rotation of family-friendly meals or looking to wow friends with a showstopper, discover our favourite spaghetti recipes.

Hidden vegetable spaghetti bolognese

Delicious, nutritious and budget-friendly – this healthier twist on the classic bolognese sauce packs in plenty of secret veggies. Browning the mince is the essential step to making an unforgettable sauce, so be sure not to skip this.

Get the recipe

Pea and mint spaghetti with feta and chilli

With flavour hits of salty feta, sweet peas and herbaceous mint, this quick and vibrant spaghetti dish is ideal for summer suppers. Go easy on the chilli if you're not keen on spice.

See the recipe

Tuna puttanesca spaghetti

We’ve made this punchy dish even easier with our Collection Italian puttanesca pasta sauce. Add a tin of tuna, and you’ve got dinner on the table in less than 15 minutes.

Tuna puttanesca recipe

Truffle pesto spaghetti

Umami-rich truffle pesto and 30-month-matured Parmigiano Reggiano take this dish from weekday to wow in less than 20 minutes. Just the thing if you want to impress without the stress.

Truffle pasta recipe

Spaghetti and meatballs

Our recipe hides courgette and carrot in the sauce for the meatballs, making this a smart supper for kids and grown-ups alike. Opt for our wholewheat spaghetti for added fibre.

Meatballs recipe

Vegan spaghetti bolognese

Fibre-and protein-packed, this plant-based take on the classic features our spaghetti bolognese cooking paste for a rich, deep flavour that normally takes hours to achieve.

Vegan bolognese recipe here

Sprout algio e oilio spaghetti with anchovy breadcrumbs

Brussels sprouts, but as you’ve never seen them. Be bold with the garlic, chilli and anchovy for a hit of intense flavour in every mouthful.

Sprout spaghetti recipe

Prawn spaghetti

Bright and sweet, this spaghetti recipe may seem simple but promises to please with hearty garlic, juicy king prawns and zesty lemon. Ideal for summer get-togethers.

Prawn spaghetti recipe

Green bean spaghetti

Bring some crunch to your spaghetti line-up with blanched green beans, butter-roasted pistachios and slivers of crispy garlic in this wallet-friendly vegan recipe.

See the green bean spaghetti recipe

Green Goddess spaghetti

This creamy spaghetti dish makes use of often maligned broccoli stalks, frozen peas and peppery basil for a fresh take on your regular pesto pasta.

Green Goddess spaghetti recipe

Tips to elevate a spaghetti dinner

There are so many answers to the question ‘how to jazz up plain spaghetti?', from fragrant sauces to flavoured oils; cheese and breadcrumb toppings; a flash of citrus or a sprinkle of herbs – the options are endless.

Great flavour always begins with your base, so take your time to sweat your veggies or brown your meat.
Final flourishes such as 30-month-matured Parmigiano Reggiano or a scattering of fresh oregano will elevate even the simplest spaghetti dish.
Short on time? Try our fresh pasta sauces. Explore gorgeous green pesto, spicy arrabiata and an indulgent four-cheese number that you’ll want to dive into time and time again.

Find more budget-friendly meal Ideas with M&S Food

Spaghetti is just the tip of the culinary iceberg when it comes to Italian recipes, and for an even easier approach to mid-week suppers, you’ll find our Italian prepared meals and fresh pasta Dine In deals in store. Discover even more ways to save on your weekly shop with our clever budget meal ideas.

Published 13/02/2026