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OMG! OMG! This was definitely one of those throwback meals I have been anxious to recreate. See, my Sister loved, loved, loved Spaghetti O’s Pasta growing up. Honestly, I think she ate the canned pasta version on a daily basis! If I am not mistaken, she has a few cans in her pantry now. Homemade Spaghetti O’s are so very simple to make. One can prepare this tomato pasta in about ten minutes. Not only will this dish from the 70’s transport you back in time, your kids will also love them. Spaghetti O’s are great to serve as a meal, snack or fill in a thermos for school lunches! I’m hopeful this childhood favorite, ring shaped pasta recipe brings back great childhood memories, for you, too!
Naturally, I created a short TikTok video showing you just how quick and easy this childhood favorite pasta dish is to make. Be sure to check it out in the recipe below.
WHERE TO FIND THE O-SHAPED PASTA
Using o-shaped pasta rings (is that a little redundant?) in this throwback pasta dish, really makes this recipe authentic.
Probably the most difficult part of this Homemade Spaghetti O’s recipe, is locating the pasta rings. Odds are, you will likely not find them readily available in the grocery store.
Initially, I was able to find a great lookalike from Creamettes. However, during a recent visit to a local Italian market, I spotted Anelli pasta. Anelli are perfectly round, thin, o-shaped pasta. If you cannot locate either of the two pastas mentioned above, substitute using alphabets, ditalini or pastina.
TIPS ON MAKING HOMEMADE SPAGHETTI O’S
Take note that this kid-friendly pasta dish does NOT include “yucky” onions and/or garlic. Feel free to add if you want. I would suggest a slight sauté prior to adding the tomato sauce and paste.
This simple pasta dish can be done in just about 10 minutes. So, timing is everything! As soon as the water comes to a boil, salt the water and drop the pasta.
Proceed in making the sauce:
- Use a good quality tomato sauce, or pulse whole tomatoes in a food processor.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt much better than store-bought.
- Slowly whisk in the Parmesan cheese to avoid clumping. Just a little at a time.
- Use pasta water to help thin out the sauce.
- Cook the pasta to very al dente. The pasta will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Do NOT drain and/or rinse the pasta. Add directly to the pot.
What about the mini meatballs?
So, the first time I tried making this throwback pasta a few years ago, I left out the meatballs. Honestly, I do not recall my sister eating the Spaghetti O’s with meatballs.
However, my Hubby wanted meatballs, so I gave him meatballs. As an addition to this kid-friendly pasta dish, the meatballs should be kept super-simple. For time management, make the meatballs first, allow them to bake as you start the Spaghetti O’s.
To make mini meatballs:
- 3/4 lb. ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
Preheat oven to 350°. Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl. Roll out into teeny, tiny meatballs. Bake on a parchment lined baking pan for just about five minutes. Add into the Spaghetti O’s after the addition of the pasta rings.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH SPAGHETTI O’S
As children, I remember opening up that can of Spaghetti O’s, dumping them into a pot and going to town.
For a more balanced meal, here are a few suggestions:
- side salad
- garlic bread/toast
- sandwich
- steamed vegetables
Seal leftovers in an air-tight container and store in fridge for up to two days. Freezing is not suggested given the addition of the cream and delicate nature of the pasta shape.
SPAGHETTI O’S PASTA
- Author: Charlotte Fashion Plate
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Homemade Spaghetti O’s are so very simple to make. You can prepare this tomato pasta in about ten minutes. Not only will this dish from the 70’s transport you back in time, your kids will also love them. Spaghetti O’s are great to serve as a meal, snack or fill in a thermos for school lunches! I’m hopeful this childhood favorite, ring shaped pasta recipe, brings back great childhood memories for you, too!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces o-shaped pasta rings
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons pasta water
Instructions
- Boil water for the pasta.
- Salt the water and drop pasta.
- In a pan, whisk together the tomato sauce, tomato paste, heavy cream and garlic powder on medium heat.
- Allow the mixture to warm through.
- Slowly, a little bit at a time, whisk in the Parmesan cheese.
- Once all of the cheese is incorporated, whisk in a few tablespoons of pasta water.
- As the sauce simmers, it will start to thicken.
- Transfer the al dente pasta directly from the pot to the sauce with a slotted spoon.
- Add more pasta water and/or Parmesan cheese to desired consistency.
- Serve immediately. ENJOY!
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♬ Taste It – Ikson
Notes
SEE POST FOR NOTES AND TIPS!
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 cup
Keywords: how to make home spaghetti o’s, kid-friendly dinner ideas, tomato pasta recipes, quick pasta recipes, easy pasta recipes, throwback dinner ideas, where can I buy pasta rings for spaghetti o’s, kid-friendly pasta dishes, weeknight dinner ideas,
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