Description
This homemade Spaghettios recipe offers a comforting and nostalgic meal with a rich, creamy tomato sauce and tender pasta rings. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner, it combines simple pantry ingredients with optional protein additions like lentils or vegan meat crumbles for a wholesome, vegan-friendly dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, releasing their aromas.
- Add Tomato Base and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, water, tomato paste, nutritional yeast if using, salt, optional sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the small pasta rings to the pot and stir to combine everything evenly. Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens, about 10-12 minutes.
- Make Sauce Creamy: Stir in the unsweetened dairy-free milk or cream to enrich the sauce and create a creamy texture that mimics classic Spaghettios.
- Add Protein (Optional): If including, add your cooked lentils or vegan meat crumbles now and heat through thoroughly to integrate them into the dish.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the finished dish and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt or spices. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use small pasta shapes known as pasta rings or ditalini, as they best mimic traditional Spaghettios.
- Nutritional yeast is optional but adds a pleasant cheesy flavor suitable for vegan diets.
- Adding lentils or vegan meat crumbles increases the protein content, making this dish more filling and nutritious.
- Unsweetened dairy-free milk or cream is used to keep the dish vegan and add creaminess without dairy.
- Adjust sugar based on the acidity of your tomato sauce to balance flavors if desired.
