If you’ve ever felt nostalgic for that comforting, saucy bowl of childhood joy, this Homemade SpaghettiOs Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. It’s the perfect blend of savory tomato goodness, tender anellini pasta, and a cheesy finish that sings of home-cooked love. What’s truly amazing is how this recipe takes something often boxed and mass-produced and elevates it to a fresh, flavorful delight you’ll want to share at every family dinner or casual lunch. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is proof that simple ingredients can come together beautifully to recreate a timeless classic from scratch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Homemade SpaghettiOs Recipe plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish so inviting. The ingredients are simple, pantry-friendly, and work together to create that rich, tomatoey sauce and perfectly tender bite of pasta that you expect from a nostalgic favorite.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky richness to sauté the garlic and develop flavor without overpowering the sauce.
- Garlic cloves (2-3, minced): Infuses the sauce with an aromatic punch that balances sweetness and acidity.
- Red pepper flakes (pinch, optional): Adds a subtle, warming kick to brighten the overall taste.
- Tomato paste (7 tablespoons): The heart of the sauce, providing deep, concentrated tomato flavor and that beautiful red hue.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances savoriness and rounds out the flavor profile effortlessly.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Lends a mild heat and depth without overshadowing the other flavors.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Balances acidity and brightness, making the sauce lively and fresh.
- Sugar (¼ teaspoon, optional): Softens the tomato’s natural tartness to ensure a harmonious taste.
- Water (4 cups): The base of cooking the pasta and blending flavors into a perfect sauce consistency.
- Chicken bouillon cubes (2, or vegetable): Infuses a savory, umami boost to the broth that elevates the entire dish.
- Anellini pasta (2 cups, or ditalini): The star pasta—its tiny ring shape mimics classic SpaghettiOs with a fun, kid-friendly texture.
- Pecorino Romano cheese (â…“ cup, freshly grated): Adds a salty, nutty richness that folds into the sauce, giving it a creamy finish.
How to Make Homemade SpaghettiOs Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by warming the olive oil over low heat in a large saucepan. Gently add the minced garlic and let it sizzle and release its fragrance for about 3-4 minutes. Then, turn up the heat to medium and toss in the red pepper flakes, tomato paste, onion powder, and black pepper. Cook everything for another 1-2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly and deepens in flavor. This sautéing step is where the magic begins as the aroma envelops your kitchen, promising something truly special to come.
Step 2: Build the Sauce and Boil
Next, stir in the apple cider vinegar and sugar. These ingredients brighten up the sauce while balancing the natural acidity of the tomato paste. Pour in the water and add your chicken or vegetable bouillon cubes. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil over high heat. This method ensures that the flavors meld beautifully ahead of adding the pasta.
Step 3: Simmer with Pasta
Reduce the heat to medium-low once boiling, and carefully drop in the anellini pasta. Stir often and let it cook for 12 to 16 minutes until the pasta is tender but still holds a slight bite, and the sauce begins to thicken into that classic saucy consistency you love. This simmer is where the noodles soak up all the delicious tomato broth, creating that signature cozy feel.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese
Finally, stir in the freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese. It melts into the sauce, lending an irresistible savory richness with a hint of sharpness. Give it a taste and adjust seasonings as you wish. Serving your homemade creation with an extra sprinkle of cheese on top is always a winning idea and makes the experience even more indulgent.
How to Serve Homemade SpaghettiOs Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this comforting dish, consider garnishing with a handful of fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley. These green touches inject a refreshing herbaceous note and add a pop of color that makes the dish as visually delightful as it is tasty. Another fantastic option is a dash of crushed red pepper for those who like a bit more zing.
Side Dishes
Pair your Homemade SpaghettiOs Recipe with a crisp side salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil—a perfect contrast to the warm, saucy pasta. Garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf also complements this dish beautifully, soaking up every last bit of that bright tomato sauce. For a more filling meal, steamed veggies or roasted green beans add healthy texture and color diversity.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your presentation memorable? Serve the SpaghettiOs in colorful bowls or quirky cups for a nostalgic nod to childhood. You can also create small, bite-sized meatballs or cheese-stuffed mini mushrooms on the side to turn this casual comfort meal into something a bit more festive. For gatherings, a warm pasta casserole with a golden cheese crust can transform the dish entirely.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Homemade SpaghettiOs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to soak in the sauce overnight, which makes it even more flavorful the next day. Just give it a quick stir before reheating to redistribute the sauce evenly.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but because of the delicate pasta texture, it’s best to freeze only the sauce separately if you plan for long-term storage. Freeze the sauce in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and freshly cook the pasta before combining.
Reheating
Reheat your refrigerated Homemade SpaghettiOs gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick or dry out. You can add a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce’s consistency. Microwave reheating works too but be sure to cover the container to retain moisture and stir halfway through heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of anellini?
Absolutely! While anellini gives that classic tiny ring shape, other small pastas like ditalini or tiny elbow macaroni work beautifully too. Just keep cooking times in mind as they may vary slightly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Homemade SpaghettiOs Recipe?
Yes, simply substitute the chicken bouillon with vegetable bouillon cubes or your favorite vegetable broth. The dish remains just as flavorful and comforting.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely. Increasing the amount of red pepper flakes or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper will add heat. Just remember to start small and taste as you go.
What if I don’t have Pecorino Romano cheese?
Parmesan cheese is a great substitute if you don’t have Pecorino on hand. It brings similar nutty, salty flavor and melts nicely into the sauce.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply swap the anellini pasta for a gluten-free small pasta or small shaped gluten-free noodles. Cook times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about crafting your own Homemade SpaghettiOs Recipe from scratch. It’s quick, comforting, and full of real, wholesome ingredients that bring joy to the table. Whether you’re feeding family or craving a nostalgic indulgence, this recipe is a wonderful way to relive fond memories and make new ones. So grab your saucepan and get ready to fall in love with this cozy, saucy spaghetti treat all over again.
Print
Homemade SpaghettiOs Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade SpaghettiOs recipe offers a comforting, nostalgic twist on the classic canned pasta, made from scratch with simple pantry ingredients. The dish features tender anellini pasta simmered in a savory tomato sauce enriched with garlic, red pepper flakes, and a touch of Pecorino Romano cheese, bringing rich, homemade flavor to a quick and easy meal perfect for families.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 7 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 4 cups water
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes (or vegetable bouillon cubes)
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups dry anellini pasta (or ditalini pasta)
- â…“ cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently until it starts to sizzle, about 3-4 minutes. Then increase the heat to medium and add the pinch of red pepper flakes, tomato paste, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens and deepens in color, intensifying the flavor.
- Add liquids and bring to boil: Stir in the apple cider vinegar and optional sugar until combined. Pour in 4 cups of water and add 2 chicken or vegetable bouillon cubes. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Simmer and cook pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Add 2 cups of dry anellini pasta to the saucepan. Cook uncovered for 12-16 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens to a rich, cohesive texture.
- Finish with cheese and seasoning: Remove the pan from heat and stir in â…“ cup of freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese until melted and incorporated. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed, then serve hot. Optionally, garnish with additional grated Pecorino Romano cheese on top for extra flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable bouillon cubes instead of chicken bouillon.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a subtle heat that complements the tomato flavors.
- Stir often while cooking pasta to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Adjust cooking time depending on your pasta brand; test for al dente texture before finishing.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
