Super Easy Homemade Cheesy Spaghetti O’s
This Super Easy Homemade Cheesy Spaghetti O’s recipe is a creamy, nostalgic comfort food made with small pasta rings, tomato paste, herbs, and two kinds of cheese. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s a quick, family-friendly dinner that’s healthier and tastier than the canned version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 tablespoons salted butter
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
Chili flakes, to taste
1/3 cup tomato paste
2 cups Anellini pasta (or other small pasta)
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup grated Pecorino cheese
1/2 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add garlic, oregano, and chili flakes. Cook until butter turns golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes. Add 3 cups water and bring to a boil.
- Stir in pasta, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer, stirring often, until pasta is al dente, about 12 minutes. Add more water if needed.
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan, Pecorino, and basil until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra basil.
Notes
- Use ditalini, small shells, or elbows if you can’t find Anellini pasta.
- Reduce or omit chili flakes for a kid-friendly version.
- Add mozzarella for extra cheesy gooeyness.
- Make vegan with plant-based butter, cheese, and vegetable broth.
- Stir in spinach, peas, or zucchini for added vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 262
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
