Description
This Homemade Spaghettios recipe offers a comforting, creamy tomato pasta dish that’s quick to make and perfect for a cozy meal. Featuring small pasta rings simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce enriched with dairy-free milk and optional plant-based protein additions, it provides a delicious, vegetarian-friendly twist on the classic canned favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 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
- 1 cup small pasta rings (or ditalini)
Optional Protein Additions
- 1/2 cup cooked lentils or vegan meat crumbles
Instructions
- Heat Aromatics: In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release the flavors.
- Prepare Tomato Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, water, tomato paste, nutritional yeast, salt, sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to blend all the flavors thoroughly.
- Cook Pasta: Add the small pasta rings to the pot and stir well to combine. Let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Add Creaminess: Stir in the unsweetened dairy-free milk or cream to enrich the sauce, making it creamy and smooth.
- Add Protein (Optional): If desired, add cooked lentils or vegan meat crumbles to the pot and heat through to incorporate extra protein and texture.
- Season and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional salt or spices. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the small pasta rings with ditalini or any small pasta shape for similar results.
- Nutritional yeast is optional but adds a cheesy flavor that’s great for vegan versions.
- For a non-vegan version, dairy milk or cream can be used instead of dairy-free alternatives.
- Adding cooked lentils or vegan meat crumbles boosts protein, making it more filling.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by simmering longer or adding more water if needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
