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This bowl of super easy homemade Cheesy Spaghetti O’s is the perfect recipe for busy weeknights and picky eaters. Small little O-shaped pasta, garlic butter, herbs, and tomato paste are boiled together until al dente. Then a handful of grated parmesan and pecorino cheeses are stirred into the mix. Together they create a creamy, cheesy spaghetti O-style pasta that’s wholesome, delicious, and fun. This simple pasta is made all in one pot, in just 25 minutes and your family will become obsessed!

Super Easy Homemade Cheesy Spaghetti O’s | halfbakedharvest.com

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.

Super Easy Homemade Cheesy Spaghetti O’s | halfbakedharvest.com

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.

Super Easy Homemade Cheesy Spaghetti O’s | halfbakedharvest.com

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!

Super Easy Homemade Cheesy Spaghetti O’s | halfbakedharvest.com

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!

Super Easy Homemade Cheesy Spaghetti O’s | halfbakedharvest.com

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!

Super Easy Homemade Cheesy Spaghetti O’s

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 262 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Ingredients

Instructions

  • 1. Melt together the butter, olive oil, garlic, oregano, and chili flakes in a large pot over medium heat. Cook until the butter turns golden, about 5 minutes.
    2. Reduce the heat to low, stir in the tomato paste. Cook 1-2 minutes, then pour over 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta, onion powder, paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente, about 12 minutes.
    3. Stir in the parmesan, pecorino, and basil until the cheese is melted.
    4. Serve immediately topped with fresh basil. Eat!
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Super Easy Homemade Cheesy Spaghetti O’s | halfbakedharvest.com

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Love this recipe! I’ve made it a few times and it’s my go-to for a quick pasta dinner. Super easy and most of the ingredients are already at home!

    1. Hey Erika,
      Amazing!! I love to hear that this dish turned out nicely for you and I appreciate you making it! xT

  2. 4 stars
    Made this once before and it came out great! Added in the basil pesto this time like the video and that was a total game changer, really elevated the sauce! Thinking of adding in some rotisserie chicken next time for added protein.

    1. Hey Nicole,
      Wonderful!! I appreciate you giving this recipe a try and your comment, so glad to hear it turned out nicely for you! xT

  3. Husband said this was delicious! I used a braiser pot and had to use 4.5 cups of water and cook for 15 minutes and came out perfect. Will definately make again. Thanks Tieghan!