Homemade Spaghettios Recipe
There’s something downright magical about a bowl of homemade Spaghettios: those tender little rings, the velvety cheese-tomato sauce, and that unmistakable comfort of a childhood classic, lovingly recreated in your own kitchen. This recipe dials up the nostalgic flavor with ingredients you trust, real cheddar, and a silky sauce that feels like a warm hug. It’s weeknight-easy, ready in just 20 minutes, and guaranteed to make both kiddos and the kid in you smile from the very first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of homemade Spaghettios is in the simplicity of the ingredients—each one playing its part to build that signature creamy, tangy, cheesy flavor and the irresistibly slurpy pasta texture. Here’s what you’ll need, and why:
- Small ring pasta (anelli): These playful little circles are the signature shape—look for “anelli” at Italian groceries, or swap in ditalini or small shells in a pinch.
- Unsalted butter: A couple tablespoons add richness and help the sauce come together beautifully.
- Tomato sauce: This forms the base of the bright, familiar Spaghettios flavor—it’s smooth, tangy, and adds gorgeous color.
- Tomato paste: A small amount for deep, concentrated tomato flavor and a luscious sauce texture.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds savory depth without overpowering the tomato; swap for veggie broth for a vegetarian version.
- Garlic powder: Brings gentle savory warmth without chunks or harshness—kids will love it.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor and enhances the sauce’s aromatic sweetness.
- Paprika: Just a touch brings color and subtle smokiness—totally optional, but it makes a difference!
- Sugar: Balances out the tomatoes with a hint of sweetness, for that perfect canned-style flavor.
- Salt: Lifts all the flavors—start with less if your broth or cheese is very salty.
- Black pepper: For a little bit of gentle heat and complexity.
- Whole milk: Swirls in richness that makes the sauce creamy and luscious.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For that signature velvety, cheesy goodness—mild cheddar is classic.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Just enough to add a touch of sharpness and Italian flavor as the finishing touch.
How to Make Homemade Spaghettios
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start this homemade Spaghettios adventure by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ring pasta, stirring immediately so they don’t stick, and cook until just al dente—each bite should still have a tiny bit of chew. Drain them well and set aside while you build that irresistible cheesy tomato sauce.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s foamy and smells a bit nutty. Whisk in the tomato sauce and tomato paste, then pour in the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sugar, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for five minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors can really meld.
Step 3: Add the Cheesy Creaminess
Reduce the heat to low so nothing scorches, and gently stir in the milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and Parmesan. Watch as the cheese melts into the sauce, turning it creamy and perfectly smooth—keep stirring to prevent any lumps and to achieve that signature silky homemade Spaghettios texture.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained ring pasta right into the pot of sauce. Stir until every golden ring is coated in cheesy, tomatoey goodness. Let it sit on very low heat for another minute, stirring once or twice, so the pasta is hot and absorbs a bit of the sauce. Now you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Homemade Spaghettios
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a twist of freshly cracked black pepper takes homemade Spaghettios to the next level. For grown-up flair, try a little chopped fresh basil or parsley—it adds a bright, fresh note that’s truly lovely.
Side Dishes
Pair your bowl of homemade Spaghettios with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or even steamed broccoli for a pop of color and nutrition. It’s also fantastic with sliced fruit on the side for a totally kid-approved meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve piping hot in cute mugs for individual portions, or pour into a big casserole dish and let everyone scoop their own. For parties, present in small ramekins with toothpicks—perfect for adorable, snack-sized bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Homemade Spaghettios keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers a lunchbox hero or easy weeknight solution.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze homemade Spaghettios! Let them cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers or zip bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat your spaghettios on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to return the sauce to creamy perfection. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring each time to prevent hot spots.
FAQs
Can I make homemade Spaghettios vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for your favorite vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version with all the same nostalgic flavor.
What if I can’t find anelli pasta?
No worries! You can use ditalini, small macaroni, or even mini shells—anything small and fun will work just fine in this recipe.
How can I make this extra creamy?
For the creamiest sauce, be sure the milk and cheese are fully melted and smooth before adding the pasta. You can also add a splash more milk for extra silkiness.
Can I add protein or veggies to homemade Spaghettios?
Definitely! Stir in cooked diced chicken, turkey meatballs, white beans, or throw in peas, carrots, or baby spinach for extra nutrition and texture.
How can I adjust the sweetness?
Homemade Spaghettios are all about personal taste—add the sugar a teaspoon at a time and taste as you go, so the sauce is just right for your preferences.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a taste of pure nostalgia or want to introduce a new favorite to your family, homemade Spaghettios deliver every time. They’re cozy, quick, and so much more flavorful than anything from a can—give them a try and let the comfort begin!
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Homemade Spaghettios Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a comforting and homemade version of the classic canned pasta with this recipe for Homemade Spaghettios. Cheesy and tomatoey, this dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 2 cups small ring pasta (anelli)
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Finish Dish: Reduce heat, add milk, cheddar, and Parmesan. Stir until melted. Add pasta and coat in sauce. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a classic canned-style flavor, use mild cheddar and add an extra teaspoon of sugar.
- You can swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
