If youโve spent any time scrolling on TikTok, youโve probably seen that viral pasta recipe that promises creamy, dreamy, ultra-cheesy spaghettiโand yes, it lives up to the hype. This TikTok Spaghetti recipe takes classic comfort food to the next level: think rich, buttery noodles coated in a luscious, cheesy sauce with just the right amount of garlic and ground beef for extra heartiness. Trust me, this oneโs a game-changer.
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Every bite is indulgent without being over-complicated. The aroma of garlic and onions sizzling in olive oil will make your kitchen feel like a cozy Italian trattoria, and by the time that Parmesan and mozzarella start melting into a silky cream sauce, youโll be tempted to dive in straight from the pot. Whether itโs a weeknight dinner or a weekend indulgence, this spaghetti hits all the right notes.
Recipe Origin
While this dish rose to fame on TikTok, itโs inspired by classic Italian-American pasta dishes that combine creamy sauces with hearty ingredients. The original trend went viral for a reasonโitโs simple, approachable, and utterly addictive. This recipe is a slightly elevated take, blending butter, cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella into a luxurious sauce that hugs every strand of spaghetti.
Kitchen Tools Youโll Need
Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Perfect for cooking the meat and onions, and also for tossing everything together.
Large Pot: To cook the spaghetti until perfectly al dente.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the sauce and scraping up all that savory goodness.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: To ensure your creamy sauce hits the right balance.
Knife & Cutting Board: For dicing onions, mincing garlic, and chopping parsley.
Grater: If youโre using fresh Parmigiano Reggiano and mozzarella.
Why Youโll Love TikTok Spaghetti
Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something impressive without the fuss.
Creamy Comfort: Rich butter, heavy cream, and two types of cheese make each bite velvety smooth and satisfying.
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids, roommates, or friendsโeveryone loves cheesy, saucy pasta. Itโs hard to go wrong with a dish like this.
Customizable: Add extra veggies, swap ground beef for sausage, or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and simple ingredients, but tastes decadent enough to impress anyone at the table.
Chefโs Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use room-temperature butter and cream for a smoother sauce.
- Donโt overcook the spaghettiโal dente noodles hold up better in the creamy sauce.
- Toast the garlic lightly before adding liquids to avoid bitterness.
- Stir in the cheese gradually and off the heat to prevent clumping.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Ingredients in TikTok Spaghetti
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Olive Oil: The base for sautรฉing onions and garlic, adding depth of flavor right from the start.
Onion & Garlic: Aromatic stars that infuse the sauce with a savory richness. Sautรฉing them until fragrant sets the tone for the entire dish.
Sugar: Balances the acidity of the crushed tomatoes and brings out their natural sweetness.
Ground Beef: Adds heartiness and umami, making this spaghetti more substantial and comforting.
Crushed Tomatoes: The body of the sauce, providing tanginess and a touch of acidity that pairs perfectly with creamy elements.
Garlic & Onion Powder: Optional, but they give an extra layer of flavor, enhancing the base aromatics.
Dried Oregano: Adds a subtle Italian flair and earthy warmth.
Spaghetti: The canvas for all this creamy goodness. Make sure itโs cooked to al dente perfection.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky, luxurious sauce.
Heavy Cream: The key ingredient that transforms tomato sauce into a dreamy, velvety coating for each strand of spaghetti.
Parmigiano Reggiano & Mozzarella: The cheese duo that gives the sauce cheesy depth, meltiness, and irresistible gooey texture.
Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness and a hint of color, brightening up the rich, creamy sauce.
Instructions
Letโs dive into the steps to create this decadent spaghetti:
Preheat Your Equipment: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the spaghetti. Cooking it in well-salted water ensures flavorful noodles.
Sautรฉ Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and half the minced garlic. Cook until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant.
Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink.
Add Tomatoes & Seasonings: Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using). Let it simmer for 5โ10 minutes to meld flavors.
Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat slightly. Stir in butter and heavy cream, letting it melt into the sauce. Then gradually add Parmigiano Reggiano and mozzarella, stirring continuously until smooth.
Combine Pasta & Sauce: Toss the cooked spaghetti into the creamy tomato-beef sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Finishing Touches: Stir in the remaining minced garlic and chopped parsley for freshness. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve and Enjoy: Plate immediately while hot, and watch everyone dive in. Add extra grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of parsley for presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~650 (approximate, depending on exact cheese and butter amounts)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve TikTok Spaghetti
Side Salads: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the creamy sauce.
Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty bread is perfect for sopping up every bit of that cheesy sauce.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or green beans add color and nutrition.
As a Standalone: With all that cream and cheese, this pasta is indulgent enough to eat on its own.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Prep Ahead: Chop onions and garlic in advance to save time.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of cream or pasta water to restore creaminess.
- Freezing: Not ideal due to cream, but you can freeze the sauce separately for up to 1 month.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the beef and add mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted peppers.
- Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for fontina or gouda for a smoky twist.
- Protein Twist: Use ground sausage or chicken instead of beef.
Additional Tips
- Always taste the sauce before tossing with spaghetti to adjust seasoning.
- Avoid overcooking the pastaโit should have a firm bite to complement the creamy sauce.
- Garnish generously; fresh parsley makes it look restaurant-worthy.
- For extra indulgence, drizzle a little olive oil over the top just before serving.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different pasta?
A1: Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni all work well.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes, prep the sauce in advance. Reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Freeze the sauce separately, not the cooked pasta, for best results.
Q5: Can I make it dairy-free?
A5: Substitute butter with plant-based margarine, cream with coconut cream, and use dairy-free cheeses.
Q6: Can I make it gluten-free?
A6: Use gluten-free spaghetti, and ensure all seasonings and cheese are gluten-free.
Q7: How do I make it extra cheesy?
A7: Add more mozzarella or Parmesan to the sauce, or sprinkle additional cheese on top before serving.
Q8: Can I add vegetables?
A8: Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini make a colorful and nutritious addition.
Q9: How can I make it lighter?
A9: Reduce butter and cream slightly, or substitute half the cream with milk.
Q10: What wine pairs well with this dish?
A10: A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot complements the creamy, tomatoey sauce perfectly.
Conclusion
TikTok Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food: creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and full of flavor. Itโs a perfect dish for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or when you simply want to indulge. This pasta proves that viral recipes arenโt just trendyโthey can become a beloved staple in your own kitchen. Serve it hot, enjoy it with loved ones, and donโt be surprised if it quickly becomes a family favorite.
PrintTikTok Spaghetti
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4โ6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
TikTok Spaghetti is a creamy, indulgent pasta dish thatโs taken social media by storm. Ground beef simmers in a rich tomato sauce, then is combined with a luscious cream and cheese mixture, creating a decadent spaghetti everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 8 cloves garlic, minced, divided
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 lb ground beef
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 large can
- 2 tsp garlic powder, optional
- 2 tsp onion powder, optional
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 16 oz spaghetti
- 1/2 cup butter, unsalted preferred
- 2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated
- 1 cup mozzarella, grated
- 2 tbsp fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sautรฉ until translucent.
- Add half of the minced garlic (4 cloves) and cook for 1โ2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. Simmer for 15โ20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add remaining 4 cloves garlic and cook briefly.
- Pour in heavy cream, stir, and let it simmer gently for 3โ5 minutes.
- Mix in Parmigiano Reggiano and mozzarella until smooth and creamy.
- Combine the cooked spaghetti with the tomato-beef sauce, then pour the creamy cheese sauce over everything. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Adjust the cream and cheese ratio to make it thicker or creamier according to preference.
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes while simmering the tomato sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 125mg