Homemade Spaghettios Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting, nostalgic meal that takes you right back to childhood, you have to try Homemade Spaghettios. This cozy bowl of pasta rings in a silky, cheesy tomato sauce is everything you love about the classic canned version, but so much more flavorful and fresh. It comes together in just 30 minutes with simple pantry staples, making it a weeknight favorite for both kids and grownups. Whether you’re looking to recreate a piece of your past or share a fun, easy dinner with your family, Homemade Spaghettios will absolutely hit the spot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Homemade Spaghettios is how effortlessly the ingredients come together. Each one brings something special to the table: richness, tang, creaminess, or that iconic pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each ingredient matters.
- Butter: Adds a rich, velvety finish to the sauce that makes every bite extra satisfying.
- Olive oil: Gives a touch of fruitiness and helps sauté the onions and garlic to sweet perfection.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion melts into the sauce, adding natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic: Just two cloves for a mellow, aromatic backdrop that never overpowers.
- Tomato sauce: The heart of that classic red, tangy base we all know and love.
- Tomato paste: Gives the sauce richness and a concentrated tomato flavor that feels instantly nostalgic.
- Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and brings out their natural sweetness.
- Salt: Makes all the flavors pop—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: Adds a little depth and gentle warmth.
- Smoked paprika (optional): For a subtle smokiness that makes the sauce taste even more homemade.
- Water or low-sodium vegetable broth: Helps cook the pasta right in the sauce, which makes everything deliciously starchy and thick.
- Small pasta rings (anelli or ditalini): These are the signature shape—fun to eat and perfect for soaking up sauce.
- Milk or cream: Stirred in at the end for a creamy, luscious texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce for that beloved cheesy finish.
How to Make Homemade Spaghettios
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the butter and olive oil together in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering, add your finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute, until everything smells absolutely amazing. This step lays the groundwork for a deeply flavorful sauce and gives Homemade Spaghettios their irresistible aroma.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Sauce
To the pot, add the tomato sauce and tomato paste, then sprinkle in the sugar, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Pour in the water or vegetable broth and stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—this is where the flavors start to meld and develop that signature Spaghettios taste.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta Rings
Once your sauce is bubbling, add the small pasta rings right into the pot. Stir them in well so they don’t stick together. Let the pasta cook uncovered for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often. The pasta will soak up the flavorful sauce as it cooks, thickening everything beautifully. Taste for doneness; you want the rings tender but not mushy.
Step 4: Make It Creamy and Cheesy
When the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk or cream and the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth, creamy, and glossy. This is the magical moment when Homemade Spaghettios become as comforting as you remember—only better!
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Take the saucepan off the heat and let everything sit for a few minutes. This helps the sauce thicken just a bit more and ensures every pasta ring is coated perfectly. Serve warm and watch everyone’s faces light up with delight.
How to Serve Homemade Spaghettios
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese or a handful of chopped fresh basil adds a gourmet flourish to your Homemade Spaghettios. For a little kick, try a pinch of red pepper flakes or a grind of black pepper right before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your Homemade Spaghettios with buttery garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or even steamed broccoli for a comforting, balanced meal. The creamy tomato sauce is especially good with something crunchy on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Homemade Spaghettios in colorful bowls for a playful, kid-friendly vibe, or ladle them into mugs for a cozy, grown-up take. You can even set up a “toppings bar” with bowls of extra cheese, herbs, and diced veggies for everyone to customize their own bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Homemade Spaghettios, let them cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them a fantastic make-ahead lunch or snack.
Freezing
Homemade Spaghettios freeze beautifully! Portion into freezer-friendly containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your Homemade Spaghettios gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk or water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions for quick lunches—just cover with a lid or plate to avoid splatters.
FAQs
Can I make Homemade Spaghettios dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use your favorite non-dairy milk and a plant-based shredded cheese to make this recipe completely dairy-free. The sauce will still be creamy and luscious, just with a slightly different flavor profile.
What kind of pasta should I use if I can’t find rings?
If you can’t find anelli or ditalini, any small pasta shape will work—think elbows, small shells, or even tiny stars. The important thing is that the pasta is bite-sized and fun to eat.
Can I blend the sauce for a smoother texture?
Yes! If you want your Homemade Spaghettios sauce completely smooth, use an immersion blender before adding the pasta. This is especially great for little kids or anyone who prefers a velvety sauce.
How can I add more protein?
Stir in cooked white beans, crumbled cooked sausage (for non-vegetarians), or even a handful of baby spinach for a nutritional boost. The sauce is super versatile and forgiving.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Homemade Spaghettios scale up beautifully. Just use a larger pot and keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks, stirring often so nothing sticks or overcooks.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a bowl of Homemade Spaghettios—simple, cozy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making it for your kids or reliving your own childhood memories, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and see just how easy and delicious homemade comfort food can be. Happy cooking!
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Homemade Spaghettios Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade Spaghettios recipe offers a nostalgic, comforting bowl of cheesy tomato pasta made from scratch with simple ingredients. Perfect for kids and adults alike, it features tender pasta rings simmered in a rich tomato sauce, enriched with creamy cheddar cheese for a delightful, quick stovetop meal.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
Pasta and Finishing Ingredients
- 1 cup small pasta rings (anelli or ditalini)
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a medium saucepan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add tomato ingredients and seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce and tomato paste, then add sugar, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Stir everything together well.
- Simmer the sauce: Add the water or low-sodium vegetable broth to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the pasta: Add the small pasta rings to the simmering sauce. Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Add dairy and finish: Stir in the milk or cream followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Rest and serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the Spaghettios sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Serve warm for the best comforting taste.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute with non-dairy milk and cheese alternatives.
- For a completely smooth texture, blend the tomato sauce before adding the pasta.
- This recipe is great for kids and nostalgic adults looking for a homemade comfort food.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
