Name: Homemade SpaghettiOs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups small ring pasta (anelli); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1/2 cup vegetable broth; 1/4 cup milk; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

I enjoy making homemade SpaghettiOs because they recreate the nostalgic flavor of the classic canned pasta while tasting fresher and more comforting. The tender pasta rings simmer in a rich tomato sauce that becomes slightly sweet and perfectly savory. I find this recipe fun to make and perfect for quick lunches, simple dinners, or whenever I want a cozy bowl of pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it is simple, comforting, and made with everyday ingredients. The tomato sauce becomes smooth and flavorful, coating every little pasta ring. I also like that I can control the ingredients and seasoning, which makes the dish taste more homemade and wholesome than the store-bought version. It is a meal that feels nostalgic while still being easy to prepare from scratch.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

small ring pasta
olive oil
garlic, minced
tomato sauce
tomato paste
vegetable broth
milk
butter
granulated sugar
salt
black pepper
paprika
grated parmesan cheese

Directions

I start by cooking the ring pasta in a pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until it becomes tender. I drain the pasta and set it aside.

In a medium saucepan, I heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for about a minute until fragrant.

I add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and vegetable broth to the saucepan and stir everything together until smooth.

Next, I mix in the milk, butter, sugar, salt, black pepper, and paprika. I let the sauce simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes so the flavors blend together and the sauce thickens slightly.

I add the cooked pasta rings into the sauce and stir until they are evenly coated.

I finish the dish by sprinkling grated parmesan cheese into the sauce and stirring until it melts and becomes creamy.

I serve the homemade SpaghettiOs warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 3 to 4 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add small meatballs to turn this dish into a heartier meal. When I want extra flavor, I mix in Italian seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes. I also enjoy stirring in a little cream cheese or extra parmesan to make the sauce even creamier.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover homemade SpaghettiOs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm them in a saucepan over medium heat and add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

What pasta works best for homemade SpaghettiOs?

I like using small ring-shaped pasta such as anelli or similar tiny pasta shapes because they resemble the classic SpaghettiOs.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, I sometimes skip the butter and parmesan or replace them with plant-based alternatives.

Can I add protein to this dish?

I often add small meatballs, cooked ground beef, or even beans to make the meal more filling.

How do I make the sauce smoother?

I sometimes blend the tomato sauce mixture briefly before adding the pasta if I want a smoother texture.

Can I freeze homemade SpaghettiOs?

Yes, I let them cool completely and store them in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

I find homemade SpaghettiOs to be a comforting and nostalgic dish that is surprisingly easy to prepare from scratch. The tender pasta rings and creamy tomato sauce create a warm and satisfying meal that works well for both kids and adults. I enjoy how simple it is to make and how easily it can be customized to suit different tastes.