This comforting Homemade SpaghettiOs recipe brings back all the nostalgia of the classic canned version but with better ingredients and a fresher, richer flavor — and none of the preservatives! With tender anellini pasta coated in a rich, savory tomato sauce, this easy dish is ready in just under 30 minutes. It’s a perfect quick meal for busy weeknights or a comforting bowl of goodness any time.
There’s something magical about a bowl of SpaghettiOs. This recipe is proof that sometimes, the simplest combinations are the most satisfying. Tiny O-shaped pasta + creamy tomato sauce + a hint of cheesy richness = pure comfort in every spoonful. While the store-bought version is a childhood favorite, this homemade version is even better — real ingredients, a richer sauce, and a taste that appeals to kids and adults alike. Whether you grew up loving SpaghettiOs or are introducing them to your own family for the first time, this homemade take is guaranteed to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love this Homemade SpaghettiOs Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes. This recipe starts by building a rich, flavorful tomato sauce with garlic, olive oil, and Italian seasoning. Then, add the anellini pasta and let it simmer until tender, soaking up all that savory goodness. Finally, stir in Parmesan for a cheesy finish that makes every bite irresistible. So simple, yet so satisfying!
- Creamy and nostalgic. Store-bought SpaghettiOs have a signature creamy tomato sauce, and this homemade version takes it up a notch. The blend of tomato sauce and a touch of Parmesan creates a silky, savory coating for every pasta ring. It’s the comforting childhood favorite you remember — only better!
- Family-friendly. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or just craving a comforting dish from your past, this homemade SpaghettiOs recipe is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
- Perfect for meal prep. This recipe makes enough for several servings, so you can enjoy a warm, cozy bowl all week long. Whether you’re making a quick lunch or an easy dinner, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s just as good (if not better!) the next day.
Ingredient Notes
To make this delicious Homemade SpaghettiO’s, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):
- extra virgin olive oil – adds richness and helps sauté the garlic.
- garlic – provides a fragrant, savory base for the sauce.
- tomato paste – enhances the depth of tomato flavor with a touch of natural sweetness. You can also use ketchup instead.
- marinara sauce – marinara sauce (or tomato sauce) is the main component of the sauce, providing a smooth, flavorful base. I recommend using a good-quality marinara. A high-quality tomato sauce makes all the difference in flavor.
- Italian seasoning – a blend of dried herbs that infuses the sauce with classic Italian flavor.
- salt – for seasoning.
- anellini pasta – the signature O-shape ring pasta shape that makes SpaghettiOs so fun to eat. If you can’t find anellini pasta, try ditalini, small shells, or even elbow macaroni.
- water – to help cook the pasta and adjust the consistency of the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese – adds a rich, nutty, and slightly salty finish. If you need a substitute, try nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option or Pecorino Romano for a slightly sharper flavor.
- fresh basil – for garnish and a pop of fresh flavor.
You will also need measuring cups and spoons and a large pot.
How to Make the Best Homemade SpaghettiOs
- Sauté aromatics. Heat oil in a medium pot over medium-high until hot, about 1 minute. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add sauce. Add tomato paste, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning and salt. Stir well until smooth.
- Add pasta. Add pasta and water. Give it a stir and reduce heat to medium.
- Cook. Cook the pasta until al dente, about 10-12 minutes or according to the package instructions. Add a little bit of water if needed and stir occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Add cheese. Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Serve. Garnish with basil and serve immediately.
Recipe Variations
- Make it creamy. Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a bit of butter for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Add more flavor boosters. This recipe is a great base, but you can easily enhance the sauce with extra ingredients! Try sautéing finely minced garlic for extra depth, stirring in a splash of balsamic vinegar for a slight tang, or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. Each addition helps create a more complex and satisfying sauce.
- Use different pasta shapes. While anellini pasta is the classic choice for that nostalgic SpaghettiOs feel, you can swap it out for ditalini, small elbow macaroni, or even orzo for a fun twist. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.
- Make it dairy-free. If you’re avoiding dairy, simply leave out the Parmesan cheese or swap it for a plant-based alternative. A small spoonful of nutritional yeast can also add a hint of cheesy umami flavor without the dairy.
- Add protein. Want to make this a more filling meal? Stir in cooked lentils, crumbled tempeh, ground turkey, or even shredded chicken for a heartier version of homemade SpaghettiOs.
How to Serve
These homemade SpaghettiOs are delicious served on its own, or paired with some of my favorite pasta sides including:
For more recipes, see our 30 Side Dishes for Pasta.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Season as you go. The key to a well-balanced, flavorful sauce is seasoning throughout the cooking process. Taste as you go and adjust with a little salt or an extra sprinkle of Italian seasoning to ensure every bite is just right.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Anellini pasta is small and cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it! For the best texture, cook the pasta until just al dente, then remove it from the heat. It will continue to soften in the sauce, so stopping early helps prevent mushy noodles.
- Adjust the sauce consistency. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer.
- Enhance the depth of flavor. If you want to give your sauce that slow-simmered, all-day taste, stir in a touch of balsamic vinegar or a small pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil at the end adds a rich, velvety finish!
Storing and Freezing Instructions
How to Store
Let the pasta cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
How to Reheat
Reheat leftover pasta in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
How to Freeze
This spaghettiO pasta recipe freezes well in an airtight container for up to 2 months. For the best texture, it’s best to freeze the sauce separately from the pasta. If you freeze the pasta in the sauce, it may become too soft once thawed and reheated. Simply cook fresh anellini pasta when ready to serve and stir it into the warmed sauce.
FAQ
Anellini pasta is the classic choice for that signature O-shape, but if you can’t find it, ditalini or small elbow macaroni make great substitutes. You want a small pasta that holds its shape well and has a nice bite.
Yes! For the Instant Pot, sauté the garlic and tomato paste using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients (except pasta and cheese) and pressure cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the cooked pasta and cheese at the end. For the slow cooker, let the sauce simmer on low for 4-6 hours, then add freshly cooked pasta just before serving.
Absolutely! Just swap the anellini pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check the cooking time on the package, as gluten-free pasta can sometimes cook faster or require extra stirring to prevent sticking.
More Tomato Pasta Recipes
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Recipe
Homemade SpaghettiOs
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This comforting Homemade SpaghettiOs recipe brings back all the nostalgia of the classic canned version but with better ingredients and a fresher, richer flavor — and none of the preservatives! With tender anellini pasta coated in a rich, savory tomato sauce, this easy dish is ready in just under 30 minutes. It’s a perfect quick meal for busy weeknights or a comforting bowl of goodness any time.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil in a medium pot over medium-high until hot, about 1 minute. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add tomato paste, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning and salt. Stir well until smooth.
- Add pasta and water. Give it a stir and reduce heat to medium. Cook the pasta until al dente, about 10-12 minutes or according to the package instructions. Add a little bit of water if needed and stir occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with basil and serve immediately.
Notes
How to store: Let the pasta cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
How to reheat: Reheat leftover pasta in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
How to freeze: This spaghettiO pasta recipe freezes well in an airtight container for up to 2 months. For the best texture, it’s best to freeze the sauce separately from the pasta. If you freeze the pasta in the sauce, it may become too soft once thawed and reheated. Simply cook fresh anellini pasta when ready to serve and stir it into the warmed sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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