Spaghetti O's Copycat Recipe- Ayyem at the Table

overhead image of a bowl of spaghetti o's topped with Parmesan chese and basil

Take a stroll down memory lane with our From-scratch Spaghetti O’s recipe! We’ve taken inspiration from the classic canned pasta, crafting a tasty dish where circular pasta noodles take a dip in a rich and savory tomato broth, generously sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. Simple to whip up, it’s not just a blast from the past – it’s a flavor upgrade that’s kinder to your taste buds and your health. Whether you savor it solo or pair it with your go-to sides, get ready for a comforting meal that’ll have the whole family singing its praises!

What Are Spaghetti O’s?

If you’re not familiar, Spaghetti O’s are a canned pasta product originally created by the Campbell’s company (formerly known as Franco-American). The original product was launched on October 18, 1965, and was marketed as “the world’s first spoonable spaghetti” (Source). Shortly after, it was featured in a TV campaign with its popular slogan “Uh-oh, Spaghetti O’s!”.

Today, the product remains largely the same, consisting of small, circular pasta noodles in a sweet, red tomato and cheese sauce. However, since their creation, Spaghetti O’s have been made in countless versions and can be found on store shelves with the addition of meatballs or hotdogs or even made with alphabet noodles.

Are Spaghetti O’s Healthy?

Traditional canned Spaghetti O’s contain a handful of preservatives and artificial colorings like high fructose corn syrup, modified Cheddar cheese, and vegetable or canola oil, which we aren’t particularly fond of. However, this from-scratch version is a much healthier dish! Made with simple ingredients, it’s free from chemicals or additives and can easily be modified to fit all your needs and preferences.

circular noodles with a tomato cheese sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need

In our quest to recreate the beloved classic flavors, we’ve crafted a recipe with simple, better-for-you ingredients. No need for a complicated shopping list – here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this nostalgic bowl of goodness:

Pasta – We use Anellini pasta, but any small, circular shape will do.
Broth – Either chicken or vegetable broth can be used to form the base of the broth. Whichever you choose, opt for a low-sodium variety so as not to overpower the recipe!
Garlic and Shallot – These aromatics form the base of the savory flavor.
Oregano – Used to enhance the savory taste.
Chili Flakes – Use as little or as much as you’d like for a touch of heat.
Tomato Paste – This helps form the broth, creating the tomato flavor we look for in a Spaghetti O’s recipe.
Parmesan Cheese – Stirred in at the end of cooking, this makes the texture thick and gooey and takes the flavor to the next level of tasty!
Fresh Basil – Sprinkled on top, this adds a nice freshness to the dish that balances out the savory ingredients.

Flavor Variations

While we kept it classic with this Spaghetti O’s recipe, feel free to unleash your culinary creativity and bulk it up with some exciting additions! Here are a few options to spark your imagination:

Use Different Noodles. Of course, classic recipes use O-shaped noodles, but really any shape will work. Experiment with alphabet noodles, ditalini, stars, pastina, or whatever you have on hand!
Add Protein. Feel free to mix in protein options like meatballs, diced hot dogs, ground meat, or even chicken!
Mix In Veggies. Add extra nutrients with the addition of veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

a bowl of homemade spaghetti o's topped with Parmesan

How to Make From-scratch Spaghetti O’s

Just like many of our go-to pasta dishes, this recipe is all about simplicity. It comes together in a single pot, making preparation a breeze and cleanup practically a non-event. One pot, loads of flavor – it’s the standout win-win!

Sauté. Heat the olive oil in a large pot, and sauté the shallot, garlic, oregano, and chili flakes.
Boil and Simmer. Reduce the heat to low, and add the tomato paste. Allow it to cook for 2 minutes, and pour in the broth. Bring the ingredients to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to medium, and let them simmer.
Cook the Pasta. Stir the pasta, salt, and pepper into the pot. Then, cover it, reduce the heat, and let the ingredients cook until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
Add the Remaining Ingredients. Stir in the cheese, sprinkle the basil on top, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

This Spaghetti O’s recipe isn’t just a satisfying vegetarian meal on its own – it’s also a team player that pairs seamlessly with a variety of sides. Here are some tasty options to kick it up a notch:

close up image of a spoonful of homemade spaghetti o's

How to Store

This recipe is a hit with kids and adults alike, meaning it disappears fast. However, if you happen to have leftovers, they store well to enjoy throughout the week!

Refrigerator: Let your pasta cool completely, and transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
Freezer: Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, we do not recommend doing so if you can avoid it, because they’re likely to become mushy once thawed.
Reheat: When you’re ready to eat, warm your pasta up in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently. Or, divide individual portions into bowls, and pop them in the microwave for 1 minute or unit your desired temperature is reached!

Common Questions about From-scratch Spaghetti O’s

What kind of pasta should I use for from-scratch Spaghetti O’s?

For that classic “O” shape, look for anelletti pasta. If you can’t find it, ditalini, small elbows, or even orzo make great substitutes. The key is to use small pasta shapes that hold the sauce well and bring back those nostalgic vibes.

How can I make from-scratch Spaghetti O’s healthier?

To lighten up the dish, use whole-grain or legume-based pasta for added fiber and protein. Incorporate pureed vegetables like carrots or spinach into the sauce for extra nutrients. Opt for low-sodium tomato products and go simple on added sugars and salt.

Can I make from-scratch Spaghetti O’s ahead of time?

Yes! From-scratch Spaghetti O’s can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave — add a splash of water to loosen up the sauce if needed.

Are there vegan versions of from-scratch Spaghetti O’s?

Absolutely! Use plant-based cheese alternatives, and make sure your pasta is egg-free. You can also incorporate nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy

More Simple Pasta Recipes

Who doesn’t adore a fantastic one-pot pasta recipe? Dive into more family-friendly meals with some of our absolute favorites listed below.

a bowl of homemade spaghetti o's topped with fresh Parmesan and basil

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 4 servings

Prep: 2 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Total: 22 mins

Take a trip down memory lane with this From-scratch Spaghetti O’s recipe! Inspired by the canned pasta from our childhood, circular pasta noodles are combined in a rich and savory tomato broth with plenty of Parmesan cheese. Email

Ingredients

Olive oil to coat the pan (~1 Tablespoon)
1 small shallot minced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 Tablespoon oregano
Chili flakes to taste
1/4 cup tomato paste
3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
16 ounces 2 cups Anellini Pasta (small ring pasta, or ditalini)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
Optional: Fresh chopped basil for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil, shallot, garlic, oregano, and chili flakes. Sauté 1-2 minutes or until the shallots are translucent.Olive oil to coat the pan (~1 Tablespoon), 1 small shallot, 2 cloves garlic, 1 Tablespoon oregano, Chili flakes to taste
Reduce heat to low, and add the tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes.1/4 cup tomato paste
Add the broth, and bring the ingredients to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, and let the dish simmer for 2-3 minutes.3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
Stir in the pasta, salt, and pepper. Cover, and reduce the heat, cooking 13-14 minutes or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.16 ounces 2 cups Anellini Pasta (small ring pasta, or ditalini), Salt to taste, Black pepper to taste
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh basil, if desired. Serve warm!1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, Optional: Fresh chopped basil
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.