If you’ve ever found yourself craving the nostalgic, comforting taste of canned Spaghettios but wished for something fresher and more wholesome, you’re absolutely going to love this Homemade Spaghettios Recipe. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and wonderfully creamy—all made from simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together in about 20 minutes. This version lets you skip the preservatives and customize the flavors just the way you like, making it the perfect soothing meal for any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this recipe is delightfully straightforward, and each one plays a crucial role in building layers of taste and texture. From the sweetness of tomato to the comforting creaminess of dairy-free milk, these essentials combine to create that classic Spaghettios feeling with a homemade touch.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps soften the onions for a perfect base.
- Diced onion: Brings a mild sweetness and depth to the sauce when sautéed.
- Minced garlic: Adds a fragrant warmth that balances the tanginess of the tomatoes.
- Tomato sauce: Forms the hearty foundation of the sauce with rich tomato flavor.
- Water: Thins the sauce to just the right consistency for that familiar Spaghettios texture.
- Tomato paste: Boosts the intensity of the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Nutritional yeast (optional): Provides a subtle cheesy note without dairy, enhancing depth.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the harmonious flavors.
- Sugar (optional): Balances acidity in the tomatoes, adjusting sweetness to your liking.
- Onion powder: Amplifies the savory onion flavor in a gentle way.
- Garlic powder: Adds an earthy garlic undertone alongside the fresh garlic.
- Unsweetened dairy-free milk or cream: Creates that creamy, comforting finish to the sauce.
- Small pasta rings (or ditalini): The star of the dish, perfectly sized for slurping up that luscious sauce.
- Cooked lentils or vegan meat crumbles (optional): A fantastic protein boost that keeps this dish filling and satisfying.
How to Make Homemade Spaghettios Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Start by warming olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and let them soften gently for 2 to 3 minutes—this mellow sweetness will be the backbone of your sauce. Follow with minced garlic, sautéing for just 30 seconds until aromatic but not browned, unleashing those beautiful fragrant notes.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Base
Next, stir in the tomato sauce, water, and tomato paste. The paste intensifies the tomato goodness, giving you that luscious, thick texture we love. Sprinkle in nutritional yeast (if using) for a hint of cheesiness, salt to taste, and add sugar optionally to balance the acidity. Finish with onion powder and garlic powder for layers of mellow flavor. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to meld beautifully while you prepare the pasta.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce
This is where the magic happens—the small pasta rings join the pot! Stir them in and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. In about 10 to 12 minutes, your pasta will be tender, soaking up all that lovely tomato goodness as the sauce thickens to the perfect consistency. This step ensures every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 4: Cream It Up
Once your pasta is cooked through, stir in the unsweetened dairy-free milk or cream to enrich your sauce. This addition transforms the tangy tomato base into a silky, dreamy concoction that’s reminiscent of classic Spaghettios but with an irresistible homemade twist.
Step 5: Add Protein Boost (Optional)
If you want to pack this meal with extra nutrition, fold in cooked lentils or vegan meat crumbles at this stage. Gently warm them through in the sauce, letting those added textures and flavors blend seamlessly with the pasta and tomato sauce.
Step 6: Final Taste and Serve
Before plating, give your Homemade Spaghettios Recipe a final taste test. Adjust seasonings as needed with a pinch more salt or a dash more sugar if you like. Serve it warm and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food.
How to Serve Homemade Spaghettios Recipe
Garnishes
Even the simplest garnishes can elevate your Homemade Spaghettios Recipe beautifully. Fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal aroma. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan can bring an extra cheesy touch if you love that cheesy twist without dairy. For a little crunch, a handful of toasted breadcrumbs or crushed roasted nuts can be delightful.
Side Dishes
Because Homemade Spaghettios are wonderfully comforting and filling, lighter sides work best to balance the meal. Try a crisp garden salad drizzled with vinaigrette to refresh the palate or some roasted veggies for added nutrients and textures. Garlic bread or crunchy breadsticks are also fantastic for dipping, making it even more fun and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with how you serve your homemade creation! Scoop the Spaghettios into small bowls for a cozy, casual vibe, perfect for family dinners or lunchbox treats. For kids or the young at heart, transform it into spaghetti “nests” by piling pasta rings high and topping with colorful veggies or vegan “meatballs.” Even serving it in mini bread bowls can turn this humble dish into an exciting culinary adventure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Homemade Spaghettios Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, so leftovers taste even better the next day. Just be sure to store it separately from garnishes or delicate sides to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
To freeze your homemade Spaghettios, cool the dish completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture. Keep in mind the pasta might soften a bit more after freezing, but the sauce will remain deliciously rich.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and add a splash of water or dairy-free milk if the sauce thickens too much. Microwaving is quick too—cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between for even warming and to preserve the creamy sauce.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of dairy-free milk?
Absolutely! If you’re not avoiding dairy, regular milk or cream will work perfectly and add that classic creamy texture to your Homemade Spaghettios Recipe.
What pasta types work best for this recipe?
Small pasta rings or ditalini are traditional and ideal for this dish because of how they hold the sauce, but you can also use other small pastas like elbow macaroni or small shells if you prefer.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Definitely. Using nutritional yeast instead of cheese and opting for plant-based milk keeps it vegan. Make sure any optional protein additions like vegan crumbles are also plant-based.
Can I add veggies to this Homemade Spaghettios Recipe?
Yes! Finely diced or pureed veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach can be stirred into the sauce to boost nutrition without changing the comforting flavor.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild by default, but you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it a spicy kick tailored to your taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own Homemade Spaghettios Recipe—it’s quick, customizable, and brings a nostalgic smile every time you spoon it up. Whether you’re after a comforting lunch, a kid-friendly dinner, or a cozy solo treat, this recipe hits all the right notes. Give it a try, and you might just find a new classic to keep in your recipe rotation!
Print
Homemade Spaghettios Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This homemade Spaghettios recipe offers a comforting and delicious twist on the classic canned pasta, made entirely from scratch using simple, wholesome ingredients. Featuring a rich and creamy tomato sauce simmered with aromatic onions and garlic, small pasta rings, and optional plant-based protein additions, this dish is perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that can be easily customized to your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Main 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 Protein Additions
- 1/2 cup cooked lentils or vegan meat crumbles
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Create the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, water, tomato paste, nutritional yeast (if using), salt, sugar (if desired), onion powder, and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the small pasta rings to the pot and stir well to combine. Let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to your preference.
- Add Creaminess: Stir in the unsweetened dairy-free milk or cream to enrich the sauce, giving it a smooth and creamy texture.
- Incorporate Optional Protein: If you’re including cooked lentils or vegan meat crumbles, add them now and heat through until warmed evenly.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste your homemade Spaghettios and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Using nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy; omit if vegan cheese taste is not desired.
- For added protein, cooked lentils or vegan crumbles are excellent plant-based options.
- Adjust the amount of water to achieve your preferred sauce consistency—less for thicker sauce, more for thinner.
- Small pasta rings like ditalini work best to mimic the classic Spaghettios texture.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for more servings and reheats well.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
