Description

This homemade Spaghettios recipe is a comforting and delicious twist on the classic canned pasta. Made with simple pantry ingredients, a rich tomato sauce, and tender pasta rings, it’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. The recipe offers the option to add plant-based protein for a nourishing boost, and uses dairy-free cream for a creamy texture, making it suitable for vegan diets.

Ingredients

Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup finely diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 cup water
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, for cheesy flavor)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional, to taste)
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk or cream

Pasta & Protein

1 cup small pasta rings (or ditalini)
Optional: 1/2 cup cooked lentils or vegan meat crumbles for added protein

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Instructions

Sauté aromatics: In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine liquids and seasonings: Stir in tomato sauce, water, tomato paste, nutritional yeast, salt, sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cook the pasta: Add the small pasta rings to the pot and stir to combine. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, about 10-12 minutes.
Add creaminess: Stir in the unsweetened dairy-free milk or cream to make the sauce rich and creamy.
Incorporate protein (optional): If using, add cooked lentils or vegan meat crumbles and heat through evenly.
Season and serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the homemade Spaghettios warm for the best experience.

Notes

Use small pasta shapes like ditalini or mini pasta rings for an authentic Spaghettios texture.
Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor but can be omitted for a straightforward tomato taste.
For creaminess, dairy-free milk or cream works well for vegan and lactose-intolerant diets.
Adding cooked lentils or vegan crumbles increases protein and makes it more filling.
Adjust salt and sugar quantities according to taste preferences.