10 Dirty Spaghetti Recipes You Need To Try

Spaghetti is a classic comfort food. But sometimes you want something more than just plain noodles with tomato sauce. You want something bold, rich, and packed with flavor. That is where “dirty spaghetti” comes in. These recipes are loaded with meat, cheese, spices, and hearty sauces. They are not fancy. They are messy, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.

These 10 dirty spaghetti recipes are all easy to make. Most of them take about 30 minutes from start to finish. Get your biggest pot ready. Let us get cooking.

1. Dirty Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Sausage

This recipe is the ultimate meat lover’s spaghetti. It uses both ground beef and Italian sausage for a rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful sauce. It is simple but incredibly satisfying.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 is best for flavor)
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (sweet or hot)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
3. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook, breaking the meat up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. This takes about 8 to 10 minutes.
4. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until it softens. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until it smells good.
5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Then add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer. Turn the heat down to low and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring now and then.
7. Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated.
8. Stir in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Serve hot, with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top.

2. Dirty Cajun Shrimp Spaghetti

This recipe brings the bold, spicy flavors of Louisiana to your spaghetti bowl. Andouille sausage and shrimp are cooked in a creamy, spicy Cajun sauce. It is dirty, messy, and so good.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning.
3. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
4. Add the sliced andouille sausage. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it is browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
5. Add the seasoned shrimp to the same skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp and set them aside with the sausage.
6. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until they soften.
7. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until it smells good.
8. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook for 30 seconds.
9. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
10. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts.
11. Add the cooked spaghetti, browned sausage, and cooked shrimp back to the skillet. Toss everything together until it is well coated in the sauce.
12. Serve hot, with sliced green onions and fresh parsley on top.

3. Dirty Cheeseburger Spaghetti

This recipe tastes just like a cheeseburger, but in spaghetti form. It has ground beef, cheddar cheese, pickles, and a special sauce. It is fun, messy, and perfect for kids and adults alike.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped (for topping)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned, breaking it up with a spoon. This takes about 6 to 8 minutes.
4. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until it softens. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
5. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle relish, and Worcestershire sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer. Turn the heat down to low and let it cook for 10 minutes.
7. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to coat the noodles in the sauce.
8. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts.
9. Serve hot, topped with the remaining cheddar cheese, chopped pickles, and fresh parsley.

4. Dirty Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti

If you love buffalo wings, you will love this spaghetti. It has shredded chicken in a spicy, creamy buffalo sauce with blue cheese crumbles. It is bold, spicy, and very dirty.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (from a rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing for drizzling (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
3. Add the buffalo wing sauce, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Whisk until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Add the shredded chicken to the sauce. Stir to coat the chicken. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
6. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to coat the noodles in the sauce.
7. Stir in the crumbled blue cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until they are melted.
8. Serve hot, topped with sliced green onions, fresh parsley, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing if you want.

5. Dirty Spaghetti with Bacon and Eggs (Carbonara-Style)

This is a dirty take on classic carbonara. It uses lots of crispy bacon, eggs, and Parmesan cheese to create a rich, creamy sauce without any cream. It is simple but incredibly decadent.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 8 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (more is better here)
• 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt to taste (go easy, bacon is salty)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Before you drain the pasta, scoop out 1/2 cup of the pasta water and set it aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it is crispy. This takes about 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain. Pour off all but about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and black pepper.
5. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook for 1 minute until it smells good.
6. Turn the heat to low. Add the hot, drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to coat the noodles in the bacon grease and garlic.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat. This is very important. You do not want the eggs to scramble.
8. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta. Toss quickly and continuously for 1 to 2 minutes. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.
9. Add the crispy bacon pieces and toss again.
10. Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top.

6. Dirty Sloppy Joe Spaghetti

This recipe turns sloppy joe filling into a spaghetti sauce. It is sweet, tangy, meaty, and messy. It is perfect for a fun and easy weeknight dinner.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned, breaking it up with a spoon. This takes about 6 to 8 minutes.
4. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until they soften.
5. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
6. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, water, salt, and pepper.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer. Turn the heat down to low and let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes until it thickens.
8. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to coat the noodles in the sloppy joe sauce.
9. Serve hot, with fresh parsley on top.

7. Dirty Mushroom and Swiss Spaghetti

This is a dirty, vegetarian spaghetti that is still incredibly rich and satisfying. It uses lots of earthy mushrooms and creamy Swiss cheese. The sherry vinegar adds a nice tang.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 2 pounds mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, oyster), sliced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer. Do not crowd the pan. You may need to do this in batches. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the mushrooms are golden brown and have released their liquid.
4. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until it softens.
5. Add the garlic and dried thyme. Cook for 1 more minute.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Stir in the shredded Swiss cheese and the sherry vinegar. Stir until the cheese is melted.
8. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to coat the noodles in the creamy mushroom sauce.
9. Serve hot, with fresh parsley on top.

8. Dirty Chili Cheese Spaghetti

This recipe takes leftover chili or canned chili and turns it into a dirty spaghetti dish. Topped with lots of shredded cheese and onions, it is the ultimate comfort food mashup.

Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 4 cups chili (homemade or canned, with or without beans)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup diced white onion
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the chili in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
3. Add the cooked spaghetti to the chili. Toss to coat the noodles.
4. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts.
5. Serve hot, topped with the remaining cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced white onion, sliced green onions, and fresh parsley.

9. Dirty Pesto Chicken Spaghetti

This recipe uses a whole jar of pesto and lots of chicken to create a rich, herby, and satisfying dish. Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy punch.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts, toasted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until it smells good.
4. Add the shredded chicken, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and heavy cream. Stir to combine. Cook for 5 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to coat the noodles in the pesto sauce.
6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and toasted nuts.
7. Serve hot, with torn fresh basil leaves on top.

10. Dirty Breakfast Spaghetti

Why not have spaghetti for breakfast? This recipe combines all the best breakfast foods into one dirty pasta dish. It has bacon, eggs, breakfast sausage, and lots of cheese.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 pound breakfast sausage, casings removed
• 8 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 6 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 green onions, sliced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it is crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel.
3. In the same skillet, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage and set it aside with the bacon.
4. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the grease from the skillet.
5. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour the egg mixture into the hot skillet. Scramble the eggs until they are just set. Do not overcook them.
7. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt.
8. Add the cooked spaghetti, crispy bacon, cooked sausage, and scrambled eggs to the skillet. Toss everything together.
9. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until they melt.
10. Serve hot, topped with sliced green onions and fresh parsley.

Storage Tips

Most of these spaghetti dishes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat them in the microwave. These dishes are not ideal for freezing, as the pasta texture can become mushy when thawed.

Final Thoughts

Dirty spaghetti is all about big, bold, unapologetic flavors. These 10 recipes are hearty, messy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you are craving a meaty bolognese, a spicy buffalo chicken, or a breakfast-inspired pasta, there is something here for you. Grab a fork and get ready to get dirty. Enjoy.