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
Scale
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
