Kick the can and make this healthy recipe for the kids instead! Homemade Spaghetti O's that are allergy-free, gluten-free, and vegan! A super easy lunch or dinner that's kid-friendly and mom-approved!
Guys, SPAGHETTI O'S! An American childhood classic, am I right? Thick, creamy, tomatoey pasta in a can. All condensed with artificial colors, preservatives, flavors, BPA, sugars, salt, fat, and a bunch of other scary things! There's 600mg of sodium and 11g of sugar in just a 1 cup serving! Ah! Not only should the terrible nutrition cause you fear, but the lack of food allergy safety (obviously). Every child should experience Spaghetti O's, but we can clean it up a bit (or a lot) and make it so much better for all!
My brother was more of the Spaghetti O's eater in the house, but I did eat it back in the day. One day last summer, I felt compelled to recreate this processed meal-in-a-can to be healthy and allergy-free. It's hard to explain the taste, texture, and consistency of Spaghetti O's, so I had some work to do to make this homemade version just right. Since I can't even remember a ballpark range of the last time I had the "goods", I ended up doing some tastebud memory digging and online research!
I also had "the fam" to be my taste-testers too! If you have some gluten-free eaters or other food allergy (like dairy) child running around in your house and you don't want them to miss out on this, you don't have to feel bad! Or, maybe you're like me, a bustling busy millennial and you still crave childhood favorites from time to time. You don't have to crack open a can of cold Spaghetti O's and eat it straight up like the stereotypical "college diet" calls for. You can make some delicious and nutritious Homemade Spaghetti O's super quick, in one pot, and worthy of being served to guests as well!
You might not believe me, but these taste spot-on! The thick consistency of the "cheesy" creamy tomato sauce and those soft little Os! Healthy and allergy-free "junk food"? I always have you covered! This recipe for Homemade Spaghetti O's is so easy and with minimal and "no weird" ingredients! Just cook the gluten-free pasta, drain, throw it back in the pot, and add the sauce ingredients! You'll be eating Homemade Spaghetti O's for days! Your kids and yourself, for work and school, grab a handy thermos and take the goods with you, cold or hot!
Homemade Spaghetti O's (Allergy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan)
Homemade Spaghetti O's (Allergy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan)
Kick the can and make this healthy recipe for the kids instead! Homemade Spaghetti O's that are allergy-free, gluten-free, and vegan! A super easy lunch or dinner that's kid-friendly and mom-approved!
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Main
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 (12oz) Box Gluten-Free Anellini Pasta
- 1 (15oz) Can No-Salt Added Tomato Sauce
- ⅓ Cup Unsweetened Non-Dairy Milk
- ¼ Cup Nutritional Yeast
- 2 TB Tomato Paste
- 1 Tsp Onion Powder
- ½ Tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ Tsp Paprika
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook pasta according to box directions, drain, and add back into pot.
- Now add all other ingredients to the pot, with heat turned to low and mix well to combine.
- Serve warm or cold!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
Who said Spaghetti O's weren't healthy, wholesome, and nutritious? That's right...I did...but HOMEMADE Spaghetti O's are! Don't you just love it when that happens? I don't know about you, but these make me feel all warm and cozy! We allergy-free, gluten-free, vegan eaters don't let anything get in our way for devouring our old favorite foods (in a new, healthy, modern way)! Now, let's get cooking!
So tell me:
+ Did you eat Spaghetti O's growing up?
+ What childhood classic processed food do you want to see recreated next?
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Heather
I will definitely be trying this one out! Gluten free works in this house - turning this junk food into something that's relatively healthy and so quick to do is a gift! Even my fussy eaters will enjoy it!
Rebecca Pytell
Great!
Maureen
Hi, Rebecca!
I was so happy to come across this recipe today! I have developed so many allergies after having children and am unable to enjoy some of the foods I loved eating as a child. What non-dairy milk do you suggest using for the most authentic taste?
Thanks for sharing your gifts!
Maureen
Rebecca Pytell
It doesn't matter, use what's in your fridge.
Freya Jane
Hi! I'm Jane, this post was included in a roundup that I'm writing -- anyways. I want to ask before I put this on my meal plan whether it's freezer-friendly because it's a HUGE safefood for many autistic's and seemingly cheaper (and better) than buying ~5-10 cans.
Rebecca Pytell
Sure, just like any pasta dish. You can freeze it. Will it be best quality? No, but you can.
Susan
Yum! Did my own version of this. Didn’t have the right amount of tomato sauce so I added a can of partially drained petite tomatoes. Pretty good anyway.
Rebecca Pytell
Glad to hear it worked for you!
Justin
Ha! This tastes WAY better than spaghetti o's. Thanks for the recipe. Our whole family loved it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Woohoo! So glad to hear. This is always a crowd favorite.
Olivia
Have you tried adding lentils for protein? If so, how much? My girls will love this!
Rebecca Pytell
Cook them separately and add them in.
Brandy
My 7 year old daughter loved them!!! I will be packing them all n her lunch for school!!! Great recipe, thanks!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Fantastic! So glad to hear it, Brandy!
Sasha @ Eat Love Eat
Those lil pasta shapes are so cute!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ha, thanks!
Whitney Bond
Spaghetti-O's are one of my childhood favorites! I can't wait to try your homemade version!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen
Oh boy - I loved these when I was a kid. And a homemade version is one I can feel good about feeding to my kiddo. Awesome recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much!
Deborah Davis
Hi Rebecca, I remember eating the canned version of this recipe when I was growing up. It is such a pleasure to be able to make, eat and share this easy to make, healthier version
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Just what we needed!
Beverly
My kids loved spaghetti o's as kids. I must say that they were not one of my favorites.
It would have been nice to have this recipe then.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I think this version will be a favorite for all of you!
Elissa
I love it when you find a way to make your favourite processed foods from scratch, or at least from real food!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, me too!
Ken Marshall
I was always a huge fan of spaghetti-os as a child, but stopped eating them as I grew older because of all the additives and sodium. This is a much better alternative. Thanks for the recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
These will be a new favorite!
Miz Helen
I loved Spaghetti Os when I made them for my kids and I still love them. This looks so gooood!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
These you'll love more!
Leanna
I have to carry and epipen for a sever allergy to food colouring. I don't think I ever ate spaghetti o or served them to my family.
I know that this looks healthy, fun, kid appealing and really easy for children to enjoy. I bet they taste alot better than the mass produced ones. Great idea!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes and this one will be safe for you to enjoy!
Manju | Cooking Curries
How awesome! Not having grown up here, I haven't had Spaghetti O's but I would love to make this for my son to give him that experience.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well these you will all love much better!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner
Fun idea for makeover! Spaghettios were one of my childhood faves
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Right! So fun!
Nicole Dawson
Oh my goodness, that was one of my absolutely favorite foods from a can growing up! Love how you made it healthier and probably better. Can't wait to try it
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you! I hope you do make it!
vicki
What a blast from the past... love this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Thanks!
Nicole
Have I told you yet that you're my hero? So many reasons, but safe spaghettio's really puts you over the top, in my mind. Just awesome. Have you heard of creamstick donuts? That's my childhood treat of choice to veganize/make allergy safe if ever I could....
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Aw, you are so sweet! Thank you!
I will have to look into that one! I've never heard of a creamstick doughnut 😛
Marla
HI Rebecca,
I remember those spaghetti-O's when I was a kid. I loved them. Your recipes sounds like a great way for kids to enjoy them without all the additives and junk in them that are in the store bought brands.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes, thanks, Marla!
Choclette
With pasta dishes so easy to make, I never really saw the point of tinned spaghetti, even as a child. Glad to see you're showing just how simple it is to make your own.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Simple and so much tastier!
Amanda
I have been dying to make gluten free spaghettios and just haven't gotten around to it! Super excited to try this out...can I sub regular milk and I've never used nutrional yeast before...does it add flavor or is just to boost the nutrional value? Trying to figure out if I can make this without an extra trip to the grocery store!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Dairy will kill you, but go ahead. Nutritional yeast is a nutty vegan "cheese" sub.
Amanda
Cool I will look for the nutritional yeast (I should have just googled it) and pick up some dairy free milk as well 🙂
Julie @ Running in a Skirt
I haven't had spaghetti O's but these look like a big bowl of goodness! I love the fresh flavor in here so much!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You never had Spaghetti O's!?
Vicki Montague
I love that pasta! I don't think we can get that in the UK...but it looks very cool!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you! Yes you can. Schar is a UK brand 😛
neil@neilshealthymeals.com
I wish I had had this as a kid. So much healthier!
Still it's alright for a big kid to have them isn't it? 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well THIS big kid liked them 😉
Nikki
You never fail to amaze me. I was not a fan of SpaghettiOs, but my kids were. I can't wait to try this and surprise them.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You will love these!
Tazim
Love this! I used to eat spaghetti-o's a lot as a child. This brings back memories. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Good memories 😉
Megan @ MegUnprocessed
Looks simple and delish – good, healthy eating!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You bet!
Sharon
Yum I love kid friendly recipes like this one!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I bet you do!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day
This is so awesome! Brings back great memories.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Thanks!
Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons
Nice work-I bet these are a thousand times better!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, they so are!
kristin mccarthy
This great! Pinning.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition
I haven't had spaghetti O's in forever! I'm glad I haven't after reading about all that sodium, BPA and artificial color info!
These looks so good, I'm totally making these when I need a cozy treat!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, these will be perfect 🙂
Nutrimom
I'd love a dairy free version (if you have one)- I always wanted my son to try spaghetti o's 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This is dairy-free?
Robyn Gleason
I used to steal the spaghetti-o's from my younger siblings' plates when my parents weren't looking, lol. They were always amazed at how quickly their food disappeared. It was so awesome! I'm sure I'd be sick now from them so it's so cool that you have a healthy alternative, Rebecca. I'm going to make this for me and my little nephews the next time they're over!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Aw, yay! Thanks, Robyn! Let Spaghetti O's live on!
J @ Bl
Oh my goodness! I love love love you! This recipe is AWESOME! I haven't had spaghetti-o's in decades!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahaha! No longer! Now you can have them 😉
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free
I made a recipe like this recently for a magazine, but we had to use different noodles since they couldn't get the gluten-free o's for the photo shoot. Thanks for linking up to them - I've been looking in all the stores!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Stock up on the goods!
Jessica Batista
These would have been my childhood dreams come to life! I can eat these 🙂 Future kiddies will be happy to have this option.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Spaghetti O's are just essential!
Aish Das-Padihari
I looked at the picture and the first thought that came to my mind was - my 4 year old would love it. Yummy.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope you try it!
Cricket Plunkett
I looooove spaghetti o's growing up! I've never seen this pasta gluten free but will keep my eyes peeled so i can make this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes yes!
Chrystal @ Gluten-Free Palate
What?!? I am so, so happy right now. Spaghetti O's were a staple in our house growing up. I love that you made a gluten-free version.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, yes! Had to bring them back!
Katy
Bringing me right back to my childhood! I used to eat Spaghettios COLD! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Cold was the best!
Kate
I used to love Spaghetti-O's when I was a kid! I would never buy them now, but I would totally try this recipe to fill a comfort food need! This recipe looks great. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This is just what you need 😉
Sarah
My goodness my kids might get Spaghetti O's! Had them as a kid and they weren't a fav but these look good.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
These will be loved!
Kate
Fantastic! I never feed my kids store-bought spaghetti Os but I would definitely feed them these amazing homemade ones!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, yes! These are 100% health-approved!
Kortney // Allergy Girl Eats
These look great. I totally get what you mean by the 'cheesy' sauce.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, right? It's hard to describe!
Hannah
STOP. I was obsessed with spaghetti-os weeeelllll into my teenager years. I used to eat them straight from the can (gross, I know). I need to get some O pasta and make my own!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahaha! From the can, that's the way to go 😉
Raia
Sounds super easy! I bed my kids would LOVE this. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I KNOW they will!
The Food Hunter
This is a childhood dream come true.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, I think so!
Platter Talk
Great recipe for GF kids! Sending to peeps!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Alright, thanks!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan
How cool is this! I wish I had had this recipe when my daughter was younger!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, there's still time 😉