The Ultimate Spaghetti Guide: 20 Traditional Italian Recipes

Spaghetti is more than a dish in Italy—it’s a way of life. Whether served in a humble trattoria by the sea or on a bustling Sunday lunch table, this long, thin pasta shape has become a global symbol of Italian culinary mastery. From the creamy indulgence of Carbonara to the bold flavors of Puttanesca, every forkful of spaghetti tells a story of tradition, family, and the joy of good food.

In this guide, we take you on a journey through 20 iconic spaghetti recipes, each with its own history and unique combination of flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to share with guests, there’s a plate of spaghetti waiting for you.

1. Spaghetti al Pomodoro: The Art of Simplicity

Nothing embodies Italian cuisine more than a simple yet perfect plate of Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce. Made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and basil, this dish celebrates high-quality ingredients and effortless cooking.

2. Spaghetti alla Carbonara: The Roman Staple

With just eggs, Pecorino Romano, crispy guanciale, and black pepper, Spaghetti Carbonara is proof that a handful of ingredients can create an unforgettable dish.

3. Cacio e Pepe: The Essence of Rome

A minimalist masterpiece, Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe relies on only three ingredients—Pecorino Romano, black pepper, and pasta water—to create a luxuriously creamy sauce.

4. Spaghetti all’Amatriciana: A Taste of Lazio

This traditional Roman recipe, known for its bold and hearty taste, is a must-try for pasta lovers looking to experience the true essence of Italian cuisine.

5. Spaghetti Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino: The Late-Night Savior

With just a handful of ingredients, this traditional recipe delivers bold flavors and a perfect balance of heat, making it a go-to comfort food for any occasion.

6. Spaghetti alle Vongole: Italian Coastal Perfection

Clams, white wine, garlic, and parsley come together in this seafood favorite, offering a briny taste of the Mediterranean.

7. Seafood Spaghetti: A Celebration of the Sea

A feast of fresh seafood—mussels, shrimp, calamari, and clams—makes this dish a staple of seaside restaurants across Italy.

8. Spaghetti alla Luciana: Inspired by Fishermen

Named after Naples’ fishermen’s quarter, this dish offers a rich and authentic taste of Mediterranean cuisine.

9. Spaghetti with Clams and ‘Nduja: A Fiery Southern Twist

This dish combines sweet clams with the heat of ‘nduja, a spicy Calabrian spreadable salami, for a perfect balance of flavors.

10. Spaghetti with Bottarga: The “Italian Caviar”

A delicacy of cured fish roe from Sardinia and Sicily, bottarga adds an umami depth to pasta, perfect for seafood lovers.

11. Spaghetti alla Nerano: Zucchini at Its Best

This Campanian dish features fried zucchini, basil, and Provolone del Monaco, creating a creamy and comforting pasta.

12. Spaghetti with Eggplant, Pecorino, and Mussels

A surprising mix of smoky eggplant, briny mussels, and sharp Pecorino Romano makes for an unforgettable combination.

13. Spaghetti with Arugula, Bell Peppers, and Stracciatella

A fresh and creamy dish, where peppery arugula and sweet bell peppers meet luscious Stracciatella cheese for a colorful plate.

14. Spaghetti with Tomato and Caramelized Onions

Slow-cooked onions add a sweet depth to classic tomato sauce, making this dish comforting yet elegant.

15. Green Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Cacio e Pepe

A vibrant twist on Cacio e Pepe, made with spinach-infused spaghetti, for a striking color and delicate earthiness.

16. Spaghetti all’Assassina: The “Killer” Spaghetti

This Apulian specialty is cooked like risotto, absorbing a rich, spicy tomato sauce that caramelizes into a crispy, irresistible crust.

17. Spaghetti with Rancetto: A Rustic Umbrian Dish

This traditional dish, rooted in the culinary heritage of central Italy, delivers an authentic taste of rustic Italian cuisine.

18. Spaghetti with Creamy Burrata and Eggplant

A decadent pasta where roasted eggplant and fresh burrata create a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

19. Spaghetti Puttanesca: A Bold and Briny Classic

Brimming with olives, capers, anchovies, and chili flakes, this dish is full of intense flavors and a rebellious history.

20. Spaghetti with Shrimp Cacio e Pepe: A Seafood Twist

A fusion of Roman Cacio e Pepe with fresh sautéed shrimp, elevating the dish with a hint of seafood sweetness.

Spaghetti isn’t just food—it’s a tradition, a ritual, a moment of connection that transcends generations and cultures. From lively family gatherings to quiet dinners for two, from celebratory feasts to late-night cravings, spaghetti has a unique way of turning any meal into an experience. Its comforting warmth and endless versatility make it a staple in kitchens around the world, bridging the gap between simplicity and sophistication with every forkful.

Few dishes evoke the same sense of nostalgia and joy as a steaming plate of spaghetti. Whether twirled with a fork, savored slowly, or shared straight from the pot, it carries with it the essence of home, tradition, and the unmistakable flavors of Italian culinary heritage. Every bite tells a story—of Sunday lunches filled with laughter, of recipes passed down through generations, of the irresistible magic that happens when good food and good company come together.