If you’re craving a comforting and nostalgic meal with a healthy, homemade twist, you’re in for a treat with this Homemade Spaghettios Recipe. This dish captures the essence of the classic canned favorite but elevates it with fresh ingredients, rich tomato flavors, and tender pasta rings cooked right in a creamy, savory sauce. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for a cozy lunch or kid-friendly dinner that the whole family can enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step toward creating a gently flavorful and satisfying bowl that feels like a warm hug. Each item plays an important role: from the aromatic onions and garlic that build the base to the rich tomato paste and nutritional yeast that add depth, and the small pasta rings that offer the perfect bite-sized fun.
- Olive oil: Provides a subtle richness and helps soften the onions and garlic.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and a lovely foundation for the sauce when finely diced.
- Garlic: Brings a fragrant punch that elevates every spoonful.
- Tomato sauce: The core of the dish, delivering classic tomato flavor.
- Water: Balances the sauce and helps cook the pasta evenly.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato essence and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Nutritional yeast (optional): Adds a nutty, cheesy note without dairy.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making everything pop.
- Sugar (optional): Cuts acidity for a perfectly rounded taste.
- Onion and garlic powders: Layer in subtle depth to the sauce.
- Dairy-free milk or cream: Adds creaminess and smooth texture to the sauce.
- Small pasta rings or ditalini: The iconic shape that lets sauce and pasta mingle perfectly.
- Cooked lentils or vegan meat crumbles (optional): Boost protein and make this dish heartier.
How to Make Homemade Spaghettios Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Toss in your finely diced onions, cooking them gently until they soften and turn translucent, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic; sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t burn—this forms the fragrant base of your sauce.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce, water, and tomato paste along with nutritional yeast, salt, sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder. These ingredients come together to create a rich, savory, and slightly tangy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Bring the mixture just to a gentle simmer, letting all those elements meld beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Add your small pasta rings straight into the simmering sauce. Stir them gently to ensure they don’t stick together or to the pot. Keep the sauce uncovered and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens—this should take about 10 to 12 minutes.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Once your pasta is cooked perfectly, pour in the unsweetened dairy-free milk or cream. Stir well to infuse the sauce with a lovely creamy texture that turns this dish from simple to downright decadent.
Step 5: Add Protein (Optional)
If you want to make your Homemade Spaghettios Recipe even more nourishing, now’s the time to stir in cooked lentils or vegan meat crumbles. Heat everything through, letting those flavors blend seamlessly together.
Step 6: Adjust and Serve
Give your creation a final taste. Don’t be shy to tweak the salt or add a pinch more sugar if needed. Once satisfied, dish up your warm, comforting Homemade Spaghettios and get ready to enjoy the cozy nostalgia with a fresh homemade spin.
How to Serve Homemade Spaghettios Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can turn a simple bowl into a delightful experience. Sprinkle some chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes adds a subtle surprise for those who like a little heat. If you have vegan parmesan or extra nutritional yeast on hand, a light dusting is a perfect finishing touch.
Side Dishes
To complement your Homemade Spaghettios Recipe, consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, which will refresh your palate. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices provide a crunchy contrast and a satisfying way to scoop up the creamy sauce. For a heartier meal, steamed veggies or roasted Brussels sprouts pair beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Homemade Spaghettios directly in small, colorful bowls that mimic classic lunchboxes. You could even top each bowl with a small swirl of vegan sour cream or drizzle of pesto to add flair and surprise. For gatherings, serve in mini ramekins as cute, personalized portions—everyone loves a playful presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Homemade Spaghettios in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen after sitting overnight, but the pasta may soak up some sauce, so it might seem thicker when reheated.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat with a splash of water or dairy-free milk to loosen the sauce. Stir often to prevent sticking and restore that creamy texture. You can also microwave leftovers, stirring every minute to reheat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of dairy-free milk in this Homemade Spaghettios Recipe?
Absolutely! Regular milk or cream works just fine if you don’t have dairy-free options. It will add the same creamy texture and rich flavor to the sauce.
Is nutritional yeast necessary?
Not at all. Nutritional yeast is optional and adds a cheesy, nutty flavor, especially if you want a dairy-free “cheesy” note. You can leave it out without compromising the overall taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the pasta rings for a gluten-free small pasta shape like gluten-free ditalini or tiny gluten-free elbow macaroni. The cooking time might vary slightly.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce a bit longer uncovered, stirring occasionally to let excess liquid evaporate. Adding a bit more tomato paste also helps thicken the sauce nicely.
Can I add vegetables to the Homemade Spaghettios Recipe?
Definitely. Chopped cooked carrots, zucchini, or spinach can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking for some added nutrition and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Spaghettios Recipe is such a joy to make and share, offering all the comforting vibes of a childhood favorite but with fresh, wholesome ingredients you can feel good about. It’s simple, quick, and endlessly customizable. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to cozy meal that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
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
This Homemade Spaghettios recipe offers a comforting, nostalgic meal made from scratch using simple pantry ingredients. Featuring a rich tomato sauce with a creamy finish and tender small pasta rings, it’s a delightful vegan take on the classic canned favorite. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner with optional protein additions like lentils or vegan crumbles.
Ingredients
Base 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 Add-ins
- 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 softened and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Tomato Base and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, water, tomato paste, nutritional yeast if using, salt, sugar if using, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook Pasta: Add the small pasta rings to the simmering sauce and stir well to combine. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Add Creaminess: Stir in the unsweetened dairy-free milk or cream to enrich the sauce, making it creamy and smooth.
- Incorporate Optional Proteins: If using, add the cooked lentils or vegan meat crumbles now and cook for a few more minutes to heat them through evenly.
- Season and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or spices if needed. Serve the homemade Spaghettios warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can use any small pasta shape similar to ditalini if rings are unavailable.
- The nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor but can be omitted for a simpler tomato taste.
- For a non-vegan version, substitute dairy-free milk with regular cream or milk as preferred.
- Add cooked lentils or vegan crumbles for extra protein and heartiness.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by varying the simmering time to your preference.
