My daughter likes Spaghettios and I will admit that, back in the day when I was a kid, I liked them, too. I’m not too fond of them myself these days – it seems to me like the flavor has changed, but my daughter continually asks from them at the store.
Since we are trying to get away from pre-packaged food I set out to make her some without the high fructose corn syrup and other ingredients lurking in her lunchbox.
Homemade Spaghettios are the best of both worlds for us. She gets to make homemade spaghettios and I get to control the ingredients.
For this homemade spaghettios recipe, I was able to find the round pasta mimicing the traditional SpaghettiOs shape, but you can easily substitute whatever small pasta shape you have on hand, like ditalini or macaroni “elbows”.
I don’t know what it is about those little pasta O’s in that mildly sweet tomato sauce that is so irresistible–but it is!
Since school is starting back for my daughter next week, I wanted to make some of these for my daughter’s lunchbox.
She isn’t much of a sandwich eater so we thought some pasta would be perfect for her. I might even try my hand at some tiny meatballs in the near future. I know she would really like that a lot.
Homemade Spaghettios
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Prep Time: 10 minutes - Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
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Yield: 2 cups -
Category: Dinner, Lunch -
Method: Stovetop -
Cuisine: American
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
This quick and easy recipe for homemade Spaghettios can be made in 30 minutes or less and is sure to please your family.
Ingredients
- 15 oz can organic tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp milk or water
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp butter
- 2 tbsp sugar or other sweetener like agave, Stevia or honey
- 1 cup uncooked mini pasta of choice
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, add together all ingredients except the pasta then bring to a boil, over medium high heat.
- Reduce to a simmer and cook on low until the butter melts completely.
- Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until desired texture is reached remembering that the pasta will further soften as it absorbs the sauce.
- Drain pasta extra well and pour into the sauce. Stir to combine.
Notes
When reheating any leftovers, simply stir in a dash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
Keywords: Homemade Spaghettios recipe, Spaghettios copy cat recipe, home made, kid friendly, lunch time, tomato sauce, 30 minute meals, pasta
Nicole says
Can I make these ahead of time and can them to have on hand?
KitchenDreaming says
Hi Nicole – you can make these ahead and store them in the fridge for up to a week. Hope this helps! 🙂
Lyndsay says
My kids love spaghettios, but feeding 6 kids (5 who are growing boys) anything from a can means I have to buy a ton. I tried this recipe, only I used the Easter shaped noodles from Aldi and sprinkled Parmesan on top. My kids loved it, even my two super picky eaters. Took me about 10 minutes to throw it all together. This is being added to our regular lunch rotation!
★★★★★
KitchenDreaming says
Thanks, Lyndsay! I’m so glad this made the grade with your kids and happy to be able to help you save some cash at the grocery store in feed 4 growing boys!! Thanks for stopping back by and letting us know your experience. You made my day! 🙂
Ingrid says
Couldn’t find the round O noodles like you used but used small pasta shapes instead. Perfect for us. Thank you!!
★★★★★
Charlene says
Neither myself, my husband or any of our 3 kids like this at all, and they’re spaghettio fanatics. They’ll eat any brand, but not this. I’m no cook, but it tastes like it’s got way too much either garlic or onion.
KitchenDreaming says
Hi Charlene,
I’m sorry your fanily didn’t care for it. If you try it again, start with less spices and adjust it to your own tastes. Thanks for stopping in to let us know your experience.
Tabitha Farrow says
My toddler loves Spaghetti-o’s but unfortunately her eczema flares up when she eats it also (I think from some preservatives because she is fine with pasta and red sauce separately). I found this recipe and we tried it and it was so good!! Even the adults liked it! I found the ring pasta so it was just like the canned stuff for her, but no eczema flare up after!! Yay!!
KitchenDreaming says
Hi Tabitha,
My daughter’s face breaks out when she eats them – so glad she liked them. Thank you for taking the time to come back by and let me know. 🙂
Katt says
I used ABC pasta since I couldn’t find the circle ones you used in my store and my kids loved it. Thanks so much!
KitchenDreaming says
Thank you, Katt, for taking the time to leave a comment. Your version sounds great, too!
Elizabeth says
Want to try to make this for our grandkids. Where can I find the round pasta? Thanks
KitchenDreaming says
Hi Elizabeth, I bought the round pasta at my regular (Publix) grocery store. It came in a plastic bag. Alternatively, you can use any shape pasta (or mini ravioli even) that your grands like, if this isn’t available in your area.
Carol says
We made these tonight and they were delicious! We even made mini meatballs to put in it. Brought back childhood memories with the benefit of knowing what was in it. Will definitely make this again.
KitchenDreaming says
That sounds perfect. Thank you for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it!
Heather says
This really does taste like spaghettio sauce! Thanks!
KitchenDreaming says
Thanks, Heather. We really liked it and it’s so easy to make. If you can’t find the particular pasta, it’s easy to use ditilini or another pasta!