There’s something irresistibly comforting about a steaming bowl of Homemade Spaghettios—the silky tomato sauce, the tender pasta rings, that nostalgic aroma wafting through the kitchen. This recipe is your ticket to reliving a childhood favorite with a homemade twist: no cans required, just real ingredients and a whole lot of love. Whether you’re feeding a picky toddler, meal-prepping for a busy weeknight, or simply craving a taste of the past, this family-friendly dish delivers creamy, cheesy goodness in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a simple lineup of pantry staples and a couple fridge essentials can come together to create something so memorable. Every ingredient in Homemade Spaghettios has its own role, adding depth, creaminess, and just the right touch of tang or sweetness to make each bite perfect.
- Pasta rings (anelli or ditalini): These adorable little shapes soak up the sauce and give you that signature Spaghettios experience—any small pasta will do if needed.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps marry all the flavors together in the sauce.
- Olive oil: Enhances the flavor and ensures the garlic sautés perfectly without burning.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic brings aromatic depth and a cozy, savory aroma to the sauce.
- Tomato sauce: This forms the soul of the sauce, offering that gloriously tangy and smooth tomato base.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Water: Loosens the sauce just enough to create the perfect consistency for slurping.
- Onion powder: Adds gentle sweetness and savory depth without needing to chop onions.
- Garlic powder: Doubles down on garlicky goodness, making the flavor extra cozy.
- Paprika: Gives warmth and a subtle hint of color to the sauce.
- Sugar: Just a pinch balances the acidity of the tomatoes, enhancing the whole dish.
- Salt: Brings out all the flavors—taste as you go and adjust for perfection.
- Heavy cream: This is the secret to the luscious, creamy texture that sets these Homemade Spaghettios apart.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, cheesy dimension and melts into silky ribbons throughout the sauce.
How to Make Homemade Spaghettios
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta rings or ditalini, stirring occasionally to keep them from sticking. Cook just until al dente—soft but with a little bite—since they’ll cook a touch more in the sauce. Drain them well and set aside. This step kicks off the Homemade Spaghettios adventure!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. As soon as it starts to gently sizzle, toss in the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about a minute until the garlic is just fragrant (make sure it doesn’t brown), infusing your kitchen with that delicious aroma.
Step 3: Build the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and add the tomato paste, water, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Give it a good stir, scraping the bottom to mix in all the flavors. Let this simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything melds and the sauce thickens just right—it’s the classic flavor foundation of Homemade Spaghettios.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
Turn the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce looks silky and smooth. The cream mellows out the acidity and creates that irresistible velvety finish, while the Parmesan melts in for an extra layer of richness.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta rings to the sauce, mixing gently so every piece is thoroughly coated. Simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting those flavors soak into the pasta and the sauce become even more luxurious.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle generous portions into bowls and serve hot. Every bite should be creamy, cheesy, tomatoey perfection—the kind that makes you close your eyes and smile.
How to Serve Homemade Spaghettios
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh basil on top for a burst of flavor and color. A twist of black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil can also make this simple bowl feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Keep it classic with warm, buttery garlic bread on the side—perfect for swiping through leftover sauce. A crisp green salad, maybe with a tangy vinaigrette, makes a lovely fresh counterpoint to the creamy Homemade Spaghettios.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Spaghettios in colorful bowls or mugs for a playful touch, or pair them with mini meatballs for a heartier meal. For kids, top with alphabet pasta shapes, or serve in thermoses for a lunchbox surprise!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Homemade Spaghettios keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You may notice the sauce thickens as it sits—that’s totally normal!
Freezing
Want to make a double batch? These spaghettios freeze surprisingly well. Portion them into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm them gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk if the sauce seems too thick. Stir frequently until everything is creamy and piping hot throughout. The microwave also works well for individual portions; just cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape if I can’t find pasta rings?
Absolutely! While pasta rings give Homemade Spaghettios their traditional look, ditalini, small elbows, or even alphabet pasta make wonderful substitutes. Choose a shape that’s fun to eat and holds the sauce nicely.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, for a dairy-free spin, use plant-based cream or coconut cream in place of heavy cream, and skip or swap the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free alternative. The sauce will still be creamy and delicious!
Can I add vegetables or protein?
Certainly! Stir in mini meatballs for more protein, or toss in cooked peas, carrots, or diced bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. Homemade Spaghettios are easy to customize to your family’s tastes.
How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook your pasta just until al dente and rinse briefly with cool water after draining (optional, but helps if you’re not serving immediately). The pasta will finish cooking slightly as it simmers in the sauce, staying tender but not mushy.
Can Homemade Spaghettios be made ahead for meal prep?
Definitely! This dish is fantastic for meal prepping. Make a batch ahead, then store in individual containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just reheat and add a splash of cream or water to bring the sauce back to life.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about making Homemade Spaghettios—it’s pure joy, spooned from the pot! Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or sharing a new classic with your own family, you’ll fall in love with just how cozy and easy this recipe is. Give it a try and let that kid-at-heart smile shine!
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Homemade Spaghettios Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a nostalgic and delicious homemade version of everyone’s favorite childhood pasta dish, Spaghettios, made with tender pasta rings in a creamy tomato sauce.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 2 cups small pasta rings (anelli or ditalini)
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta rings until al dente, then drain.
- Prepare the sauce: Sauté garlic in butter and oil, add tomato sauce, paste, water, seasonings, and simmer.
- Finish the dish: Blend in cream, Parmesan, and cooked pasta, then simmer briefly.
Notes
- You can use ditalini or elbow macaroni if needed.
- For a dairy-free option, use plant-based cream and skip the Parmesan.
- Enhance with mini meatballs for added protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
