Well, isn’t this fun?! Homemade spaghetti O’s! And SO MUCH better than anything you’d dump out of a can. So much better. I’ve said it many times now, but it’s back-to-school season. And as much as I dreaded this time of year as a kid, there was (and is) something so exciting about starting off a new year. It’s odd since the new year isn’t officially until January. But as a kid, the start of the school year meant so much more than the actual new year. New classrooms, new teachers, new friends, possibly even a new school. It’s a lot. And with practices, homework, and earlier bedtimes, nights become short and hectic. My parents relied on easy dinners like chicken and rice, tacos, and pasta. My mom was always stocked with ramen, boxes of mac and cheese, and yeah, cans of Spaghetti O’s. To be very, very honest. I never went for the spaghetti O’s. My brother Creighton loved them. I only recall eating them maybe once a year and always with a grilled cheese that my dad would make. So I can’t say that I was a true fan. But we all know I love a homemade “dupe” and spaghetti O’s needed to happen this week. It’s been thundering and storming all week, and this is back-to-school comfort food at its best.
Details
For starters, this is almost as easy as dumping out a can of spaghetti o’s and heating. Simple, simple and so much better. I start by cooking the butter together with a splash of olive oil, lots of garlic, some oregano, and chili flakes. Then add in tomato paste, which is the base of our sauce. I prefer to use tomato paste over jarred pasta. It brings a more intense tomato flavor that tastes as though the sauce has been cooking all day. It’s kind of my “secret”. Next, pour in the water, this is for cooking the pasta. Then, add the Spaghetti O’s or in correct Italian, Anellini pasta. Any shortcut pasta will work, but using the Anellini makes this feel like a legit Spaghetti O’s copycat. It’s fun! Next, add in some onion powder and paprika. Then just cook away until the pasta has the perfect bite. Stir in lots of cheese – both parmesan and pecorino, and finish with fresh basil. Excited to have this recipe in my back pocket. It’s pretty perfect any time of the year. Everyone really loves it. Like really loves it. Oslo is actually eating a bowl out of my lap as I type this. It’s UMMY as Oslo says! Looking for other one pot recipes? Here are my favorites: French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto One Skillet White Chicken Chili Bake Healthier Homemade One Pot Hamburger Helper Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Lastly, if you make this Super Easy Homemade Cheesy Spaghetti O’s, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
