A childhood classic reinvented…

The Healthy New Twist on an Old Classic:

Growing up, Spaghetti O’s were one of my favorite meals. There was something so comforting about that bowl of tiny pasta circles swimming in a sweet, savory sauce—simple, quick, and always delicious. Now that I’m a parent myself, I’ve found myself wanting to recreate that same feeling for my daughter, but with a healthier spin. I wanted something that kept all the fun and comfort but didn’t have all of the “stuff” added to it. Honestly, I don’t know all the names of the “stuff” but we all know what it is – it’s just added junk to preserve it and “enhance” the flavor synthetically. UGH, anything coming out of a can will never be “enhanced”…

That being said, this recipe will bring back all of the nostalgia of that first time you had Spaghetti O’s, but it’s sooooo much better. It’s still got that rich, tomatoey sauce and cute pasta, but now it’s full of wholesome ingredients that I feel great about serving. It’s my way of giving my daughter the best of both worlds: the nostalgia I loved as a kid, with the nourishment she deserves.

Homemade Spaghetti O’s Recipe (for 2 lb of pasta)

Ingredients:

• For the pasta:
  • 2 lb Anellini pasta (or DiTalini)
• For the veggie-loaded sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onion, quartered
  • 5 large carrots (chopped in 3rds)
  • 4 stalks celery, (chopped in 3rds)
  • 1 large, sweet potato, peeled and cubed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 3 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 3 teaspoons each dried oregano and basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup shaved Parmigiano

Directions:

1. Cook the pasta: Boil the anellini pasta in salted water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. Prepare the sauce:

• Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add diced onions, carrots, celery, and sweet potatoes. Sauté until softened, about 12-15 minutes.
• Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
• Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, honey or maple syrup, smoked paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes to let the flavors meld.3
  • CK’s personal touch – I add in a small amount of heavy cream while this is reducing. I love the rich silky creamy texture….
• Once the sauce is ready, use an immersion blender to make it smooth and creamy.
• Stir in grated (you’ll add the shaved Parmigiano later) Parmigiano for that extra savory touch.

1. Combine: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring until all the pasta is coated.
2. Serve: Top with extra shaved Parmigiano and enjoy!

voilà

This version of Spaghetti O’s is the perfect way to bring a childhood favorite back into your home, but in a way that’s much more nourishing for the family. My daughter loves it, I love it, and I love knowing I’m giving her a meal that’s both fun and healthy.

*For even more nostalgia – cut up some hot dogs and throw those in…

Bon appetite! ~CK