Spaghetti O’s Pasta

If you grew up loving the classic canned version, this homemade Spaghetti O’s Pasta is the upgraded adult version you’ll want to make on repeat. It’s incredibly creamy, tangy, a little nostalgic, and comes together fast in one pot.

This quick and easy pasta recipe is all about simple ingredients, pantry staples, and big flavor, without much effort. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or a comforting lunch that tastes like childhood, only better. The best part? You can customize everything from the pasta shape to the seasonings, and it’s still ready in about 15 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Spaghetti-Os Pasta

• Quick and Easy Meal: Ready in about 15 minutes, making this Spaghetti O’s pasta the perfect weeknight dinner.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by adults and kids. Great for picky eaters or fast lunches.
• Budget-Friendly: This quick and easy pasta recipe uses simple pantry ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• Customizable: Adjust seasoning, swap the cheese, or add protein to make it exactly how you like it.
• Nostalgic Flavor: All the creamy, tomato-forward goodness of classic Spaghetti O’s, but made from scratch.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Pasta: Use anellini, ditalini, stelline, mini elbows, or any small pasta shape.
• Tomato Sauce Base: Tomato purée or passata works in place of canned tomato sauce.
• Milk/Cream: Swap whole milk with half-and-half or heavy cream for extra richness.
• Cheese: Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or an Italian blend can replace the cheese you’re using.
• Seasonings: Onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper can all be adjusted to your taste.
• Butter: If you want to lighten it up, olive oil works in place of butter.
• Meatballs: If adding, make your own using this meatball recipe, or use easily store-bought.

How to Prepare Spaghetti O’s Pasta

1. If making mini meatballs, do this first.
2. Boil water for the pasta.
3. Salt the water and drop pasta.
4. In a pan, whisk together the tomato sauce, tomato paste, heavy cream and garlic powder on medium heat.
5. Allow the mixture to warm through.
6. Slowly, a little bit at a time, whisk in the Parmesan cheese. 
7. Once all of the cheese is incorporated, whisk in a few tablespoons of pasta water. 
8. As the sauce simmers, it will start to thicken.
9. Transfer the al dente pasta directly from the pot to the sauce with a slotted spoon. 
10. If adding, add the meatballs.
11. Add more pasta water and/or Parmesan cheese to desired consistency. 

How to Serve and Store

• Serve this Spaghetti O’s Pasta as a main dish, simple lunch, or pair with garlic bread, a crisp salad.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk, cream, or water.
• Freezing is possible, but may slightly change the texture—stir in a bit of extra milk when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use another pasta shape? Yes, any small pasta like anellini, ditalini, or mini elbows will work perfectly.
• Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and add extra liquid if needed as GF pasta absorbs more.
• What protein can I add? Ground beef, ground turkey, sliced chicken sausage, or tiny meatballs turn this into a full dinner.
• How do I keep the sauce creamy? Use low heat when adding dairy, and avoid boiling once the cheese is added.
• Can I make this dairy-free? Use dairy-free milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Almond milk and vegan Parmesan both work well.
• Can I double this recipe? Yes, just increase everything proportionally and use a large pot since the pasta expands.

More Quick and Easy Pasta Recipe to Love

• Cheesy Baked Pasta Casserole
• Quick Rigatoni Pasta Pomodoro
• Pasta alla Vodka
• One Pan Pasta Puttanesca

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GET TO KNOW ME!

WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!

Our life has changed dramatically in the past few years with the passing of our two goldendoodles, Vegas and Viva. We were lucky enough to have Vegas for five years (totally wish it was longer). Most recently, losing our Viva to a brain tumor in July of 2020. We welcomed our mini goldendoodle 7, almost seven years ago. We just added the amazing Hazel! Of course, I am always posting tons and tons of photos! Be sure to check out my recipe for Pet Bone Broth! This broth is super rich in nutrients and will provide your pet with a multitude of health benefits!

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