Homemade Spaghettios are a fun and tasty twist on a classic favorite! You’ll enjoy soft pasta rings swimming in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce.
Making this dish brings back childhood memories. Plus, it’s super easy! Just cook, stir, and serve. I love topping it with some parmesan cheese—yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ring-shaped Pasta: Anellini or small pasta O’s are perfect for this recipe. If you can’t find them, feel free to use any small pasta shapes like ditalini, or even elbow macaroni will work just fine!
Onion: A small onion adds sweetness and depth to the sauce. If you’re short on time, onion powder can be a quick substitute. I sometimes use shallots for a more delicate flavor.
Tomato Sauce: A smooth tomato sauce creates that classic Spaghettios texture. You can use crushed tomatoes if you prefer a chunkier sauce, or even a jar of marinara sauce when in a pinch.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice finish to your Spaghettios. If you’re out, try using grated Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option!
How Do I Make Sure My Sauce Is Perfectly Flavored?
The sauce is key in this recipe. It’s all about balancing flavors to make it delicious! Here are some tips:
- Cook the onions until they are soft to draw out their sweetness.
- Add garlic just before the other wet ingredients to keep its strong flavor intact.
- Don’t skip the sugar! It helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Taste your sauce before serving! Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed.
With these tips, your sauce will be rich and flavorful, just like you remember from those childhood meals!
Homemade Spaghettios
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 1 cup ring-shaped pasta (like anellini or small pasta O’s)
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce (preferably smooth)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup water or pasta cooking water
For Garnish (optional):
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
Making Homemade Spaghettios takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick and easy, perfect for lunch or a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the ring-shaped pasta and cook according to the package instructions—this usually takes about 7-8 minutes. You want it al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté it until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn.
3. Adding Garlic and Seasoning:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pan. Cook for another 30 seconds or so until it becomes fragrant. This will give your sauce a lovely aroma! Then, stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix everything together well to combine the flavors.
4. Simmering the Sauce:
Now, add 1/4 cup of water or some of the pasta’s cooking water to the sauce to thin it a bit. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes so all the flavors meld together beautifully.
5. Combining Pasta and Sauce:
Once the sauce has simmered, add the cooked pasta rings to the sauce and give it a good stir to coat the pasta evenly. Heat everything through for another 2-3 minutes, just until everything is warm.
6. Serving:
Serve your homemade spaghettios warm in bowls. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for a little extra flavor. Enjoy your nostalgic and creamy homemade Spaghettios!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber, and gluten-free pasta works just as well. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package for best results, as cooking times may vary.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I Adjust the Seasoning?
Yes! Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you love it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more sugar. Just taste as you go!
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time! Just store it in the fridge and combine it with the pasta when you’re ready to eat. It works well and saves time during busy days!
