This delightful Homemade Spaghettios comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a weeknight dinner that your family will love! You can switch up the ingredients based on what you have lying around, or even use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of those pesky leftovers! Trust me, it’s perfect when you’re short on time but still want something comforting and delicious.
Ingredient Breakdown
Olive Oil
Okay, let’s start with olive oil. It’s my go-to oil for cooking because it gives such a rich flavor to the sauce! I prefer to use extra virgin olive oil for that lovely depth, but you could definitely swap in vegetable or avocado oil if you’re feeling fancy. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be a tad different!
Onion
Next up, we have onion. A quarter-cup of finely diced onion amps up the overall flavor of the dish. And honestly, who doesn’t love the smell of onion sautéing in olive oil? It’s like a warm hug at the beginning of cooking! You can use a yellow onion or a sweet onion, whichever you prefer. If you’re in a pinch, shallots or even onion powder can work as substitutes!
Garlic
Now, on to garlic. I use two cloves minced in this recipe because, let’s be real; garlic makes everything better! It adds this incredible aroma and depth to the sauce. You can definitely adjust the amount based on your affection for garlic, go ahead and add more, I won’t judge! If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder will work too; just use about 1/4 teaspoon.
Tomato Sauce
For the base, we’re using a 15 oz can of tomato sauce. It’s the star of our spaghettios and lends that classic flavor! I like to buy the no-salt-added version, so I can control the saltiness in my dishes. If you want to mix it up, feel free to use diced tomatoes or even a marinara if that’s what you have handy!
Water
You’ll need 1 cup of water to thin out the sauce. It helps make it nice and scoopable! You can use vegetable broth instead for an extra flavor boost, just keep an eye on the salt levels if you do.
Tomato Paste
Adding tomato paste (2 tablespoons) gives our sauce that thick, rich texture that hugs those little pasta rings perfectly. You can skip this if you want, but I wouldn’t! You can also use any leftover tomato paste in other recipes or even mix it into soup for added depth.
Nutritional Yeast (Optional)
Now here’s where it gets a little unique! Nutritional yeast (1 tablespoon) adds a cheesy flavor without involving any dairy. It’s optional, but if you’re trying to keep things vegan or dairy-free, it’s a must! But if you have real cheese on hand, go ahead and sprinkle some in for extra creaminess!
Salt and Sugar
Next, we have salt (1/2 teaspoon) and a pinch of sugar (1/4 teaspoon optional). The salt is vital for flavor, and the pinch of sugar rounds everything out, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes. If you don’t want to use sugar, feel free to skip it!
Onion Powder and Garlic Powder
For an extra flavor kick, we’re throwing in onion powder (1/8 teaspoon) and garlic powder (1/8 teaspoon). These add a little more layering to the dish. If you’re fresh out, no worries just use a bit more of the real deal garlic and onion instead!
Dairy-Free Milk or Cream
We’re also adding 1/4 cup of unsweetened dairy-free milk or cream to enrich the sauce. I often use coconut milk for that extra creaminess, but almond or soy milk works just as well! If you prefer regular dairy, feel free to use heavy cream or even half-and-half.
Pasta Rings
And let’s not forget 1 cup of small pasta rings! That’s what makes this dish feel like classic childhood comfort food! Ditalini or any small pasta shape will work too. If you have whole grain pasta, go for it! Just adjust cooking times slightly since whole grain takes a little longer.
Optional Protein
Lastly, for an extra protein boost, add 1/2 cup of cooked lentils or vegan meat crumbles. This is great for rounding out the meal and makes it more satisfying. You can totally skip this step, but if you have leftovers, it’s a fantastic way to include them!
How to Make Homemade Spaghettios
Alright, are you ready to dive in? Here’s how I whip up these Homemade Spaghettios, step by step!
Sauté the Aromatics: In a medium pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they turn translucent, becoming fragrant and just delicious. Smell that? Heaven!
Add Garlic: Next, add in your minced garlic. Cook it for another 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. You don’t want to burn it, so keep an eye out!
Mix in the Tomato Base: Stir in the tomato sauce, water, tomato paste, nutritional yeast, salt, sugar, onion, and garlic powders. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. The vibrant color is so inviting!
In with the Pasta: Add your small pasta rings to the pot. Stir to combine everything and let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened. This should take about 10-12 minutes. A little patience will reward you!
Make it Creamy: Once the pasta’s tender, remove the pot from heat and stir in the unsweetened dairy-free milk or cream. Honestly, this is where the magic happens, it turns your sauce into something rich and comforting!
Optional Protein: If you’re adding protein, mix in cooked lentils or vegan crumbles now, and heat through for just a couple of minutes.
Adjust the Seasoning: Give this vibrant dish a taste and adjust any seasonings as needed. You might want a couple pinches of salt and pepper at this point!
Serve it Up: Serve it warm and watch it disappear quickly!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe for anything from busy weeknights to the occasional craving for something comforting and familiar. I’m a real sucker for dishes that transport me back to childhood, and Homemade Spaghettios does just that! The best part is that it’s like a warm hug in a bowl, packed with flavors and completely customizable to your family’s tastes! You can use whatever you’ve got on hand, which makes it perfect for those nights when you just don’t want to go grocery shopping.
If you loved this Homemade Spaghettios, be sure to check out my Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta, my Healthy Broccoli Pasta, or my Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This Homemade Spaghettios comes together in under 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for those crazy busy evenings when you just don’t have the energy.
One Pot
Everything cooks together in one pot, meaning minimal cleanup required afterwards… a HUGE win in my book!
Budget-Friendly
It uses affordable, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. No fancy shopping trips required!
Customizable
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how customizable it is! You can swap the pasta, play around with different proteins, and even toss in leftover veggies you have lying around. Blank canvas!
Comfort Food
It’s loaded with tons of flavor and the kind of comforting vibes that makes you feel all warm inside, just like the classic comfort food we all crave!
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Homemade Spaghettios
I love to serve my Homemade Spaghettios with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top, a little basil or parsley does wonders! If you’re feeling extra indulgent, some grated cheese or crushed red pepper flakes add a great touch too!
Storage
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to cool it completely before sticking it in the fridge!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or dairy-free milk to loosen it up a bit if it’s thickened.
Freezer Friendly?
Yes! This dish is actually freezer-friendly. Just let it cool completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for about 2-3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as detailed above.
Homemade Spaghettios delicious, quick, and truly a family favorite! I can’t wait for you to try this out! It’ll become your new go-to recipe, trust me! Follow LunaChef on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration and air fryer cooking tips.
Homemade Spaghettios
Ingredients
Method
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat.
- Add finely diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato sauce, water, tomato paste, nutritional yeast, salt, sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add small pasta rings, stir to combine, and let simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally for about 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender.
- Remove pot from heat and stir in dairy-free milk or cream.
- If using, mix in cooked lentils or vegan crumbles and heat through for a couple of minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or grated cheese if desired.