Thin spaghetti is a versatile and delicate pasta that cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with a wide range of sauces and ingredients.
Whether you prefer light and fresh flavors, rich and creamy sauces, or spicy and bold seasonings, thin spaghetti provides the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity.
With over 23 thin spaghetti recipes to explore, you’ll discover everything from classic Italian dishes like aglio e olio and carbonara to inventive recipes featuring fresh vegetables, seafood, and vibrant herbs.
This collection offers plenty of inspiration for quick weeknight dinners, elegant meals, or simple comfort food that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
23+ Delicious Thin Spaghetti Recipes to Try Tonight
Exploring these 23+ thin spaghetti recipes shows just how adaptable and delicious this pasta shape can be.
From bright, zesty lemon basil dishes to indulgent creamy mushroom sauces, there’s a recipe for every taste and occasion.
Thin spaghetti’s delicate texture lets sauces cling beautifully, making every bite flavorful and enjoyable.
Whether you’re a pasta lover seeking new ideas or a beginner looking for easy meals, these recipes offer a wonderful starting point for your next pasta dinner adventure.
Garlic Butter Thin Spaghetti
Garlic butter thin spaghetti is a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights the richness of butter and the aromatic punch of fresh garlic.
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting side, combining tender pasta with a luscious, garlicky sauce.
- Ingredients:
- Thin spaghetti
- Butter
- Fresh garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Instructions:
- Cook thin spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned.
- Toss cooked spaghetti into the skillet, adding reserved pasta water as needed to coat the noodles evenly.
- Season with salt, pepper, and stir in fresh parsley.
- Serve topped with grated Parmesan if desired.
This dish is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a deeply satisfying meal.
The garlic butter sauce clings beautifully to the thin spaghetti, making every bite rich and flavorful without being heavy.
Lemon Basil Thin Spaghetti
Lemon basil thin spaghetti is a bright and refreshing pasta dish that balances zesty citrus with fragrant herbs.
This recipe brings a light, fresh flavor to the table, ideal for warmer days or when you want a clean, vibrant meal.
- Ingredients:
- Thin spaghetti
- Olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice and zest
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Instructions:
- Cook thin spaghetti until al dente, then drain.
- In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add lemon juice, zest, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Toss spaghetti in the pan, mixing well to coat with the lemony sauce.
- Stir in fresh basil, season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like.
This dish is light yet flavorful, with the lemon and basil adding a fresh, aromatic quality that pairs perfectly with the delicate texture of thin spaghetti.
It’s a delightful way to enjoy pasta without heaviness.
Spicy Tomato Thin Spaghetti
Spicy tomato thin spaghetti is a classic Italian-inspired pasta that combines the sweetness of ripe tomatoes with a fiery kick.
This recipe features a quick, robust tomato sauce that clings perfectly to thin spaghetti noodles, offering a satisfying balance of heat and flavor.
- Ingredients:
- Thin spaghetti
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Salt and pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Instructions:
- Cook thin spaghetti according to package directions, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, simmer until slightly thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss spaghetti in the sauce, mixing well.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese if desired.
This spicy tomato thin spaghetti is a perfect blend of comforting and bold flavors.
The thin noodles soak up the vibrant, spicy sauce, creating a dish that’s both simple and packed with personality.
Creamy Mushroom Thin Spaghetti
Creamy mushroom thin spaghetti is a comforting and indulgent dish that pairs tender thin pasta with a rich, velvety mushroom sauce.
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful meal perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests.
- Ingredients:
- Thin spaghetti
- Olive oil or butter
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream or half-and-half
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh thyme or parsley
- Salt and pepper
- Instructions:
- Cook thin spaghetti until al dente, then drain.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter and sauté mushrooms until golden and tender.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in cream and simmer until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
- Toss spaghetti into the sauce until well coated and heated through.
This creamy mushroom sauce complements the delicate texture of thin spaghetti perfectly.
The earthy mushrooms and smooth cream create a luxurious dish that feels hearty without being heavy.
Pesto Thin Spaghetti
Pesto thin spaghetti is a fresh, vibrant pasta dish that celebrates the bold flavors of basil pesto.
It’s an easy and quick recipe that brings together the aromatic herbaceousness of pesto with the lightness of thin spaghetti noodles.
- Ingredients:
- Thin spaghetti
- Fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil
- Pine nuts (optional)
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper
- Instructions:
- Cook thin spaghetti until al dente and drain, reserving some pasta water.
- Toss the pasta with pesto, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with toasted pine nuts and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
This dish is bright and flavorful with the fresh herbal notes of basil pesto shining through.
The thin spaghetti provides a perfect base, letting the pesto’s vibrant taste take center stage.
Shrimp Scampi Thin Spaghetti
Shrimp scampi thin spaghetti is a classic seafood pasta dish that combines tender shrimp with a buttery garlic and lemon sauce.
This recipe is elegant yet simple, making it a fantastic choice for a quick dinner or special occasion.
- Ingredients:
- Thin spaghetti
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Lemon juice and zest
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper
- Instructions:
- Cook thin spaghetti until al dente and drain.
- In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil, sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Toss cooked spaghetti into the skillet, mixing well to coat with sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper.
This shrimp scampi with thin spaghetti is light yet flavorful, balancing the richness of butter with fresh citrus and tender shrimp.
It’s a delightful dish that feels luxurious but comes together quickly.
Caprese Thin Spaghetti
Caprese thin spaghetti brings the classic flavors of the famous Italian salad to your pasta bowl.
Combining fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with a light drizzle of olive oil, this dish is bright, fresh, and perfect for warm weather meals.
- Ingredients:
- Thin spaghetti
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh mozzarella, cubed
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Balsamic glaze (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Instructions:
- Cook thin spaghetti until al dente and drain.
- Toss pasta with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and torn basil leaves.
- Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and season with salt and pepper.
- Add a balsamic glaze drizzle if desired before serving.
This Caprese-inspired pasta is refreshing and light, with the creamy mozzarella balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes and the aromatic basil adding a lovely herbal note.
Aglio e Olio Thin Spaghetti
Aglio e olio thin spaghetti is a classic Italian dish known for its simplicity and bold flavor.
Made with just garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, and parsley, it’s a perfect quick meal that highlights the quality of the ingredients.
- Ingredients:
- Thin spaghetti
- Olive oil
- Garlic, thinly sliced
- Red chili flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt
- Grated Parmesan (optional)
- Instructions:
- Cook thin spaghetti until al dente and drain, reserving some pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and gently sauté garlic slices until golden.
- Add chili flakes and cook briefly to release flavor.
- Toss spaghetti in the pan with garlic oil, adding reserved pasta water if needed to coat.
- Stir in fresh parsley and season with salt.
- Serve with grated Parmesan if desired.
This aglio e olio is a perfect example of how minimal ingredients can create a deeply satisfying and flavorful pasta dish.
Veggie Primavera Thin Spaghetti
Veggie primavera thin spaghetti is a colorful, healthy dish packed with fresh vegetables tossed in a light olive oil and garlic sauce.
This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a variety of produce with the delicate texture of thin spaghetti.
- Ingredients:
- Thin spaghetti
- Zucchini, sliced
- Bell peppers, sliced
- Cherry tomatoes
- Asparagus, cut into pieces
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Salt and pepper
- Instructions:
- Cook thin spaghetti until al dente and drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add vegetables and cook until tender but still crisp.
- Toss cooked spaghetti with the sautéed vegetables.
- Stir in fresh herbs, season with salt and pepper.
This veggie primavera is light, fresh, and full of vibrant flavors, making it a perfect vegetarian-friendly pasta that celebrates seasonal vegetables.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Lemon
Spaghetti aglio e olio with lemon is a refreshing twist on the traditional garlic and olive oil pasta.
The addition of fresh lemon juice and zest brightens the flavors, making it a perfect light and zesty meal that’s quick to prepare.
- Ingredients:
- Thin spaghetti
- Olive oil
- Garlic, thinly sliced
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh lemon juice and zest
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper
- Grated Parmesan (optional)
- Instructions:
- Cook thin spaghetti until al dente, reserving some pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic slices until golden but not burnt.
- Add red pepper flakes and cook for a few seconds.
- Toss spaghetti into the pan with garlic oil, adding reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with grated Parmesan if desired.
This dish offers a bright, garlicky flavor with a citrusy lift that pairs perfectly with the delicate texture of thin spaghetti.
Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and Parsley
Shrimp scampi with garlic and parsley is a classic, flavorful dish where tender shrimp swim in a buttery garlic sauce.
Served over thin spaghetti, it’s elegant yet easy to prepare for any occasion.
- Ingredients:
- Thin spaghetti
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Instructions:
- Cook thin spaghetti until al dente and drain.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.
- Stir in lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and parsley.
- Toss spaghetti into the skillet and combine well. Season with salt and pepper.
This shrimp scampi is bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, with the garlic and parsley enhancing the natural sweetness of the shrimp, all tied together by delicate thin spaghetti.
Spicy Peanut Thin Spaghetti
Spicy peanut thin spaghetti is an Asian-inspired dish that combines the creaminess of peanut sauce with a subtle kick of spice.
This unique recipe brings bold flavors and a satisfying texture that’s perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
- Ingredients:
- Thin spaghetti
- Peanut butter
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Honey or brown sugar
- Garlic, minced
- Red chili flakes or sriracha
- Green onions, sliced
- Crushed peanuts (optional)
- Instructions:
- Cook thin spaghetti until al dente and drain.
- In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and chili flakes until smooth.
- Toss spaghetti with the peanut sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and crushed peanuts if desired.
This dish offers a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor profile, giving thin spaghetti a delicious twist inspired by Asian cuisine.
Spinach and Garlic Thin Spaghetti
Spinach and garlic thin spaghetti is a healthy and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta with sautéed garlic and fresh spinach.
This simple recipe is perfect for a quick, nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
- Ingredients:
- Thin spaghetti
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Instructions:
- Cook thin spaghetti until al dente and drain, reserving a little pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Toss spaghetti into the pan, adding reserved pasta water to help coat the noodles.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve topped with grated Parmesan if you like.
This dish is light, fresh, and packed with nutrients, making it a great option for a healthy yet delicious pasta dinner.
Tomato and Basil Thin Spaghetti
Tomato and basil thin spaghetti is a vibrant, classic Italian pasta that highlights fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil.
This simple recipe lets the natural flavors shine, offering a fresh and satisfying meal.
- Ingredients:
- Thin spaghetti
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper
- Grated Parmesan (optional)
- Instructions:
- Cook thin spaghetti until al dente and drain.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened.
- Toss spaghetti into the skillet, mixing well to combine.
- Stir in fresh basil, season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with grated Parmesan if desired.
This pasta is fresh and bright, with the sweet tomatoes and aromatic basil complementing the delicate thin spaghetti beautifully.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Thin Spaghetti
Lemon garlic shrimp thin spaghetti is a zesty and flavorful seafood pasta that combines juicy shrimp with a light lemon and garlic sauce.
This recipe is both elegant and easy, perfect for a quick dinner that feels special.
- Ingredients:
- Thin spaghetti
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Lemon juice and zest
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Instructions:
- Cook thin spaghetti until al dente and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Toss cooked spaghetti into the skillet and combine well.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper.
This dish offers a bright and fresh flavor profile, with the lemon and garlic enhancing the natural sweetness of the shrimp for a light yet satisfying meal.
Mushroom and Thyme Thin Spaghetti
Mushroom and thyme thin spaghetti is a savory and aromatic pasta dish that highlights the earthy flavors of sautéed mushrooms paired with fragrant thyme.
This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner that feels both rustic and refined.
- Ingredients:
- Thin spaghetti
- Olive oil or butter
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Instructions:
- Cook thin spaghetti until al dente and drain.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet, sauté mushrooms until golden and tender.
- Add garlic and thyme, cooking until fragrant.
- Toss spaghetti into the skillet and mix well to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve topped with grated Parmesan if desired.
This dish balances earthy mushroom flavors with the herbal notes of thyme, creating a satisfying and elegant pasta perfect for any occasion.
Roasted Red Pepper Thin Spaghetti
Roasted red pepper thin spaghetti is a vibrant and flavorful pasta dish featuring a creamy roasted red pepper sauce.
It’s a wonderful way to add color and sweetness to your thin spaghetti with minimal effort.
- Ingredients:
- Thin spaghetti
- Roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream or cream alternative
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Instructions:
- Cook thin spaghetti until al dente and drain.
- In a blender, puree roasted red peppers with olive oil and garlic until smooth.
- Heat the puree in a pan, stirring in cream and seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Toss spaghetti in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
This dish is creamy, sweet, and slightly smoky from the roasted peppers, offering a delicious twist on traditional pasta sauces.
Cacio e Pepe Thin Spaghetti
Cacio e pepe thin spaghetti is a minimalist Italian classic known for its creamy texture and peppery bite.
Made with just Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper, this dish celebrates simple ingredients elevated to perfection.
- Ingredients:
- Thin spaghetti
- Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Butter or olive oil
- Salt
- Instructions:
- Cook thin spaghetti until al dente, reserving pasta water before draining.
- In a pan, heat butter or olive oil and toast freshly ground black pepper.
- Toss spaghetti in the pan, gradually adding Pecorino cheese and reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
- Mix well until cheese melts and coats the noodles.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and more pepper if desired.
This dish is a beautiful example of how simplicity and technique combine to create a rich and flavorful pasta with minimal ingredients.
Puttanesca Thin Spaghetti
Puttanesca thin spaghetti is a bold and tangy Italian pasta dish bursting with flavors from olives, capers, and anchovies.
This recipe brings a savory, slightly salty punch that pairs perfectly with delicate thin spaghetti.
- Ingredients:
- Thin spaghetti
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Anchovy fillets
- Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- Capers
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper
- Instructions:
- Cook thin spaghetti until al dente and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic and anchovies until anchovies dissolve.
- Add olives, capers, red pepper flakes, and diced tomatoes. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss spaghetti in the sauce to coat thoroughly.
- Stir in fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper as needed.
This puttanesca pasta delivers a vibrant combination of briny, spicy, and savory notes, perfectly matched with the light texture of thin spaghetti.
Carbonara Thin Spaghetti
Carbonara thin spaghetti is a rich and creamy Italian classic made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper.
This quick recipe creates a silky sauce that clings to every strand of delicate pasta.
- Ingredients:
- Thin spaghetti
- Pancetta or bacon, diced
- Eggs
- Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, grated
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Salt
- Instructions:
- Cook thin spaghetti until al dente and reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Cook pancetta in a skillet until crispy.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs and cheese together.
- Toss hot spaghetti with pancetta, then quickly mix in the egg and cheese mixture, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce.
- Season generously with black pepper and salt to taste.
This carbonara recipe is indulgent and comforting, with a luscious sauce that coats the thin spaghetti perfectly, offering authentic Italian flavors.
Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino Thin Spaghetti
Aglio, olio e peperoncino thin spaghetti is a simple, classic Italian pasta featuring garlic, olive oil, and chili peppers.
It’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect for anyone craving a little heat and a lot of taste.
- Ingredients:
- Thin spaghetti
- Olive oil
- Garlic, thinly sliced
- Dried red chili flakes or fresh chili peppers
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt
- Grated Parmesan (optional)
- Instructions:
- Cook thin spaghetti until al dente and drain, reserving some pasta water.
- Heat olive oil and sauté garlic and chili flakes until fragrant but not burned.
- Toss spaghetti with the flavored oil, adding reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.
- Stir in fresh parsley and season with salt.
- Serve with grated Parmesan if desired.
This dish celebrates simplicity with a spicy kick, letting the quality of the ingredients shine through every bite.
Brown Butter Sage Thin Spaghetti
Brown butter sage thin spaghetti is a comforting and aromatic dish where nutty browned butter is infused with fragrant sage leaves.
This simple yet elegant pasta is perfect for cooler evenings and pairs beautifully with delicate thin spaghetti.
- Ingredients:
- Thin spaghetti
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh sage leaves
- Garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Instructions:
- Cook thin spaghetti until al dente and drain, reserving a little pasta water.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and cook until it turns golden brown and smells nutty.
- Add fresh sage leaves and sauté briefly until crisp. Add garlic if using and cook until fragrant.
- Toss the pasta in the brown butter sage sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to coat the noodles evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with Parmesan if desired.
This dish is rich and flavorful, with the browned butter adding depth and the sage providing a lovely herbal note that complements the thin spaghetti perfectly.
Mediterranean Thin Spaghetti
Mediterranean thin spaghetti is a vibrant and colorful dish loaded with fresh vegetables, olives, and feta cheese.
It’s a light yet satisfying pasta that highlights the bright, zesty flavors of the Mediterranean region.
- Ingredients:
- Thin spaghetti
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh oregano or parsley
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
- Instructions:
- Cook thin spaghetti until al dente and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and red onion; cook until tomatoes soften.
- Toss spaghetti with the vegetable mixture, fresh herbs, and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper and top with crumbled feta before serving.
This pasta is fresh, tangy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, perfect for a wholesome and delicious meal.
Conclusion
With so many ways to prepare thin spaghetti, these 23+ recipes highlight the endless possibilities this pasta offers. Whether you want a quick and simple aglio e olio or a hearty shrimp scampi, thin spaghetti adapts effortlessly to a variety of flavors and cooking styles. These recipes prove that with just a few fresh ingredients and simple techniques, you can create delicious, satisfying meals any day of the week. Dive into this collection and discover your new favorite way to enjoy thin spaghetti.