Spice Up the Spaghetti

Spaghetti can get pretty boring, and your family may be complaining about how often they eat it. “But it is so quick and easy,” you may argue. There is a compromise: add interesting twists to the spaghetti without sacrificing its efficiency.

1. Use different seasoned/flavored sauces. If you make your own, vary it by making sweet, tangy, plain, meaty, and seasoned versions. Mix in or top with different cheese blends.
2. Add different meats to the spaghetti instead of always ground beef or meatballs. Good options are Italian sausage, shrimp, grilled chicken, smoked sausage, canned tuna, and ground turkey. Tofu also works.
3. Include vegetables. Add different types of frozen, canned, or fresh vegetables or stir-fry some onions and peppers with the meat.
4. Instead of using spaghetti sauce, eat the spaghetti with just olive oil (or butter), salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add fresh vegetables to make a pasta salad.
5. Try different noodle shapes—the more fun, the better. A different texture can make a whole new eating experience.