Name: Homemade Spaghettios
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
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; 1 cup small pasta rings (or ditalini); Optional: 1/2 cup cooked lentils or vegan meat crumbles for added protein

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A nostalgic and healthier take on the classic canned favorite, these Homemade Spaghettios are rich, comforting, and made with wholesome ingredients—perfect for kids and adults alike.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This homemade version of a childhood classic delivers all the comfort of the original with none of the preservatives or artificial ingredients. The sauce is creamy, slightly sweet, and perfectly coats each tiny pasta ring for that authentic experience. It's quick enough for busy weeknights but satisfying enough that both children and adults will request it again and again. Plus, you can easily customize it to include more protein or vegetables to create a more nutritious meal that still maintains that nostalgic flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Olive oil creates the flavorful base for this dish, helping to sauté the aromatics and lending a subtle richness to the final sauce.

Onion provides a sweet foundation for the sauce, adding depth and complexity that the canned version lacks.

Garlic brings essential aromatic qualities to the dish, enhancing the tomato flavor without overwhelming the palate.

Tomato sauce forms the backbone of this recipe, providing that signature bright, tangy flavor that defines Spaghettios.

Water helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency and allows the pasta to cook directly in the flavorful liquid.

Tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor and creates a thicker, richer sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.

Nutritional yeast is an optional ingredient that adds a cheesy, savory flavor without any dairy products, making this recipe easily vegan-friendly.

Salt enhances all the flavors in the dish and is essential for balancing the natural acidity of the tomatoes.

Sugar is optional but helps counteract the acidity of the tomatoes, creating that slightly sweet taste familiar to fans of the original canned version.

Onion powder and garlic powder provide an additional layer of flavor that complements the fresh aromatics and creates depth in the sauce.

Dairy-free milk or cream adds silkiness and richness to the sauce, creating that creamy texture that makes this comfort food so satisfying.

Small pasta rings or ditalini are the star of the show, providing that nostalgic shape and texture that makes this dish instantly recognizable.

Lentils or vegan meat crumbles are optional additions that can boost the protein content, making this simple dish more nutritionally complete.

Directions

In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
Stir in tomato sauce, water, tomato paste, nutritional yeast, salt, sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the small pasta rings to the pot and stir to combine. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened (about 10-12 minutes).
Stir in the unsweetened dairy-free milk or cream to make the sauce rich and creamy.
If using, add cooked lentils or vegan crumbles and heat through.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 3 generous servings, perfect for a family with a small child or for an adult with leftovers for lunch. The dish comes together in just 20 minutes total—5 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time—making it an ideal quick weeknight meal. Each serving contains approximately 290 calories, providing a satisfying but not overly heavy meal option.

Variations

Classic Cheese Version: For a non-vegan option, replace the nutritional yeast with ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese and use regular milk or cream.

Protein-Packed: Add ½ pound of browned ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.

Veggie Boost: Finely dice carrots, celery, and bell peppers and sauté them with the onions for added nutrition that's nearly undetectable.

Spicy Adult Version: Add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a grown-up kick.

Alphabet Fun: Substitute alphabet pasta for the rings to create a fun learning opportunity for young children.

Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free small pasta shape and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

This homemade Spaghettios recipe stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so when storing in the refrigerator (where it will keep for up to 4 days), you may want to add a splash of water or broth when reheating.

To reheat, place the desired portion in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a small amount of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until heated through, about 5 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed to your liking.

For longer storage, this dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using either method above.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of dairy-free milk?

Yes, you can absolutely use regular cow's milk or cream if you don't need the recipe to be dairy-free or vegan. Any type of milk (whole, 2%, skim) will work, though whole milk or cream will provide the richest results.

What if I can't find small pasta rings?

Ditalini, small shells, or any tiny pasta shape works well in this recipe. The key is to use a small pasta that will cook quickly and capture the sauce in each bite. In a pinch, you could even break spaghetti into small pieces.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

There are several ways to boost the nutritional value: add pureed vegetables like carrots or butternut squash to the sauce, use whole grain pasta, increase the protein with lentils or lean ground meat, or reduce the salt slightly.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Sauté the onion and garlic using the Sauté function, then add all ingredients except the milk/cream. Cook on high pressure for half the time listed on the pasta package. Quick release, stir in the milk/cream, and let sit for a few minutes to thicken.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

While you can freeze this dish, the pasta may become slightly softer when thawed and reheated. For best results, slightly undercook the pasta if you plan to freeze it, and add a little extra liquid when reheating.

How do I adjust the consistency if it's too thick or thin?

If the sauce is too thick, simply add a splash of water, broth, or milk and stir until you reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce, or add a teaspoon of tomato paste.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe doubles easily for larger families or meal prep. Just use a larger pot and you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure the pasta cooks evenly.

How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?

Most kids already love this nostalgic dish, but you can increase the appeal by adding a touch more sugar to mimic the sweetness of the canned version, pureeing the sauce before adding the pasta if texture is an issue, or letting kids help measure and stir during preparation.

What can I serve with homemade Spaghettios?

While this dish works perfectly as a simple meal on its own, you can round it out with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or whole grain bread. For kids, fresh fruit makes an excellent accompaniment.

Are homemade Spaghettios healthier than the canned version?

Yes, this homemade version contains less sodium, no preservatives, and no artificial colors or flavors. By making it yourself, you control the quality of ingredients and can customize the nutritional profile to suit your family's needs.

Conclusion

These Homemade Spaghettios bring back all the comfort and nostalgia of childhood, but with the quality and freshness that only comes from cooking from scratch. In just 20 minutes, you can create a meal that satisfies both picky eaters and discerning adults while avoiding the preservatives and excessive sodium found in the canned version.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—add protein for a more substantial meal, sneak in vegetables for added nutrition, or keep it simple for those nights when you just need something quick and comforting. However you choose to prepare it, this homemade version proves that sometimes the foods we loved as children can be even better when recreated with love and wholesome ingredients in our own kitchens.