If you’ve ever longed for that nostalgic, comforting bowl straight from childhood but with a wholesome, homemade twist, this Homemade Spaghettios Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender little pasta rings swimming in a rich, creamy tomato sauce that’s bursting with flavor and just the right hint of warmth. Simple, satisfying, and made with easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe transforms that classic canned favorite into a fresh, delicious meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the heart of creating this delightful Homemade Spaghettios Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role—from the tangy tomato base to the perfectly tender pasta rings—bringing layers of taste and texture that make this dish so special.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic, adding a subtle richness to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion: Brings sweetness and depth when gently cooked.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers aromatic warmth that infuses the sauce.
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce: The vibrant, tangy base of the entire dish.
- 1 cup water: Helps adjust the sauce’s consistency for that perfect, smooth texture.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and richness.
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional): Gives a hint of cheesy, savory depth without dairy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional): Smooths out the acidity of the tomatoes if needed.
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder: Intensifies onion flavor for a more rounded sauce.
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlic presence subtly.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk or cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and luscious.
- 1 cup small pasta rings (or ditalini): The iconic pasta shape that makes this dish instantly recognizable and fun.
- Optional: 1/2 cup cooked lentils or vegan meat crumbles: Adds hearty protein for a more filling meal.
How to Make Homemade Spaghettios Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by warming the olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced onion and cook until soft and translucent—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and let it sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant, which will lay a fragrant foundation for your sauce.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce, followed by water and tomato paste to deepen the tomato flavor. Stir in nutritional yeast if you choose to use it, along with salt, sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to harmonize and intensify within the sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Add the small pasta rings directly into the simmering sauce. Stir to incorporate evenly and let it cook uncovered. Stir occasionally for about 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta is perfectly tender and the sauce thickens to a dreamy consistency that clings to every tiny pasta ring.
Step 4: Finish with Creaminess
Pour in the unsweetened dairy-free milk or cream, giving the sauce a rich, velvety touch that transforms this into a luscious meal. Mix well, letting the creaminess blend beautifully with the tomato base.
Step 5: Add Protein (Optional)
If you want to boost your Homemade Spaghettios Recipe with some extra protein, now is the time to gently fold in cooked lentils or vegan meat crumbles. Heat through so everything melds together in warm, comforting harmony.
Step 6: Taste and Serve
Give your creation a final taste and adjust any seasoning as needed. Once it’s just right, scoop it into bowls and get ready to dig in with pure joy.
How to Serve Homemade Spaghettios Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. A dash of cracked black pepper or a dusting of nutritional yeast can also elevate the overall flavor without overpowering the dish’s homestyle charm.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Homemade Spaghettios Recipe with a crisp green salad or some crunchy garlic bread is a wonderful way to balance the creamy, tender pasta. A simple side of steamed veggies or roasted carrots brings brightness and nutrition to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this in a hollowed-out bell pepper or small bread bowls to impress kids and adults alike. You can also turn it into a cozy casserole by layering it with vegan cheese and baking until bubbly and golden on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your Homemade Spaghettios Recipe to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s great for packed lunches or a quick, comforting dinner any time you crave a taste of nostalgia.
Freezing
This dish freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy the same creamy, delicious texture as freshly made.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce is too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of water or dairy-free milk to loosen it up and revive that creamy consistency you love.
FAQs
Can I use regular dairy milk instead of dairy-free?
Absolutely! If you’re not avoiding dairy, regular milk or cream will add a rich creaminess that works beautifully in this Homemade Spaghettios Recipe.
What pasta is best for this recipe?
Small pasta rings or ditalini are traditional and perfect here because their shape holds onto the sauce nicely, but mini shells or elbow macaroni can work too if that’s what you have on hand.
Is nutritional yeast necessary?
Nutritional yeast is optional but highly recommended if you want a subtle cheesy note. If you don’t have it or prefer not to use it, the dish will still be delicious without it.
Can I add meat or other proteins?
Yes! This recipe welcomes cooked lentils, vegan meat crumbles, or even cooked ground meat for a heartier meal. Simply stir them in near the end of cooking until heated through.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and kid-friendly by default. You can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Homemade Spaghettios Recipe enough if you’re craving something both cozy and wholesome. It captures all the magic of the classic canned version but with fresh flavors and your own kitchen’s touch. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new go-to comfort food that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Print
Homemade Spaghettios Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Homemade Spaghettios is a quick and comforting pasta dish featuring small pasta rings simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. This recipe offers a delightful blend of classic flavors with a vegan twist, using dairy-free cream and optional plant-based protein additions for a wholesome meal ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Base Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, for cheesy flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional, to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk or cream
Pasta
- 1 cup small pasta rings (or ditalini)
Optional Protein Additions
- 1/2 cup cooked lentils or vegan meat crumbles for added protein
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the tomato sauce, water, tomato paste, nutritional yeast, salt, sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to combine the flavors.
- Cook Pasta in Sauce: Add the small pasta rings to the pot and stir thoroughly to combine them with the sauce. Allow the pasta to simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Create Creamy Texture: Stir in the unsweetened dairy-free milk or cream to enrich the sauce, making it creamy and smooth.
- Add Protein (Optional): If using, fold in the cooked lentils or vegan meat crumbles and heat them through completely to incorporate additional protein into the dish.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste your homemade Spaghettios and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once satisfied, serve the dish warm and enjoy your comforting meal.
Notes
- Nutritional yeast is optional but adds a delicious cheesy flavor and extra nutrients.
- Using small pasta rings or ditalini best mimics classic Spaghettios texture and appearance.
- For a non-vegan version, you can substitute the dairy-free milk or cream with regular cream or milk.
- Add cooked lentils or vegan crumbles for a protein boost to make the dish more filling.
- Adjust the sugar according to the acidity of the tomato sauce; omit if you prefer less sweetness.
