Homemade Spaghetti-O's Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

This hearty Italian-inspired dish combines tender pasta rings, savory tomato sauce, and bite-sized meatballs. Finished with fresh basil and Parmesan, it makes a comforting and flavorful meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

This recipe was originally developed for 5 servings. Ingredient amounts can be adjusted, but keep in mind that cooking times remain the same and scaling may not be exact.

• 16 ounces ring-shaped pasta (Anelli Siciliani)
• 30 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Cantanzaro herbs (or similar Italian herb blend)
• 2 teaspoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 16 ounces Italian-style meatballs
• 1/2 cup freshly shaved Parmesan cheese, for garnish
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

1. Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 8 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain pasta, and set aside.
2. In the same pot, combine tomato sauce, Cantanzaro herbs, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently over medium-low heat.
3. Cut each meatball into four pieces, then roll each piece into a small ball. Add these mini meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer until fully heated through, about 10 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a tablespoon of reserved pasta water at a time until desired consistency is reached.
4. Return the pasta to the pot, stirring gently to coat with sauce and meatballs.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and shaved Parmesan.

Cooks Note

Italian-style meatballs are usually available in the refrigerated section of most supermarkets. Cantanzaro herbs and Anelli pasta can often be found online.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 539
• Total Fat: 27g (35%)
• Saturated Fat: 10g (51%)
• Cholesterol: 77mg (26%)
• Sodium: 1837mg (80%)
• Total Carbohydrate: 50g (18%)
• Dietary Fiber: 7g (24%)
• Total Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 26g (53%)
• Vitamin C: 13mg (15%)
• Calcium: 281mg (22%)
• Iron: 5mg (27%)
• Potassium: 901mg (19%)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Actual daily values may vary depending on individual calorie needs.

** Nutrition data is based on available information and may not be complete. For medically restrictive diets, consult your doctor or dietitian before preparing this recipe.

History of Homemade Spaghetti-Os

Although Homemade Spaghetti-Os are inspired by the iconic canned pasta introduced in the 1960s, the dish itself has deeper roots in Italian culinary tradition. The original industrial product was created to appeal to children and busy families, offering a quick, comforting meal. The homemade version revives the early idea of playful pasta shapes while restoring the rich, authentic flavors of a traditional Italian tomato sauce. This adaptation bridges nostalgia with quality, transforming a childhood staple into a flavorful, wholesome dish suitable for all ages.

Regional Characteristics

The pasta usedanellini or anelliis typical of Sicilian cuisine, where ring-shaped noodles often appear in baked dishes and soups. The sauce reflects a classic central and southern Italian profile, featuring tomato, herbs, and meat. While the commercial product is distinctly American, the homemade recipe leans heavily toward regional Italian simplicity: few ingredients, slow simmering, and aromatic herbs such as basil and Cantanzaro-style blends.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Homemade Spaghetti-Os differ from traditional spaghetti and meatballs in both texture and presentation. Instead of long noodles, they rely on ring-shaped pasta that creates a softer, more uniform mouthfeel. Compared with minestrone or other tomato-based pasta soups, the sauce here is thicker and more velvety, coating each ring rather than forming a broth. The miniaturized meatballs also set the dish apart, adding a playful, bite-sized twist without compromising flavor.

Where It Is Commonly Served

Today, the homemade version is most often served in family kitchens, casual dining settings, and comfort-foodfocused cafs. It appears at potlucks, childrens parties, and nostalgic-themed gatherings, thanks to its balance of familiarity and sophistication. Many home cooks prepare it as a cozy weeknight dinner or as a make-ahead dish for busy schedules.

Interesting Facts

The original canned Spaghetti-Os were marketed with the memorable slogan Uh-oh, Spaghetti-Os!a phrase that became culturally iconic. The ring shape was intentionally chosen to minimize mess for children learning to eat independently. In Italy, anellini pasta has been used for generations in holiday and Sunday meals, which makes the modern homemade dish a subtle fusion of Italian heritage and American nostalgia. Some cooks now experiment with vegan meatballs, specialty herbs, or alternative pasta shapes, giving the classic concept new life with contemporary twists.

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