Homemade Copycat Spaghettios: A Pioneer Woman Inspired Recipe
Craving the comforting nostalgia of Spaghettios but want a healthier, homemade version? Look no further! This recipe, inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s love for simple, delicious meals, delivers that classic Spaghettios flavor with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about. Say goodbye to canned goods and hello to a from-scratch dish that’s perfect for picky eaters and busy weeknights.
This recipe will walk you through every step, from creating a rich and flavorful tomato sauce to cooking the perfect small pasta. We’ll even explore variations and tips for making this dish your own. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s get cooking!
## Why Make Homemade Spaghettios?
While canned Spaghettios are undeniably convenient, making them from scratch offers several advantages:
* **Healthier Ingredients:** You control exactly what goes into your dish. No artificial flavors, preservatives, or excessive sodium.
* **Better Flavor:** Fresh ingredients and homemade sauce result in a far superior taste.
* **Customizable:** Adjust the recipe to your liking. Add more vegetables, change the seasonings, or use different types of pasta.
* **Cost-Effective:** Making a large batch of homemade Spaghettios is often cheaper than buying multiple cans.
* **Fun Family Activity:** Get the kids involved in the cooking process. They’ll love helping to stir the sauce and measure the pasta.
## Pioneer Woman Inspired Spaghettios Recipe
This recipe draws inspiration from the Pioneer Woman’s focus on simple, hearty, and flavorful meals. It emphasizes fresh ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions.
**Yields:** Approximately 6 servings
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Sauce:**
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 medium onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1/2 cup tomato paste
* 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a deeper flavor)
* 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or honey, to balance acidity)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* **For the Pasta:**
* 1 pound small pasta (ditalini, small shells, or elbow macaroni work well)
* Water for boiling
* Salt for boiling water
* **Optional Toppings:**
* Grated Parmesan cheese
* Fresh basil, chopped
* Red pepper flakes
**Equipment:**
* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Large saucepan
* Wooden spoon or spatula
* Colander
**Instructions:**
**Part 1: Preparing the Sauce**
1. **Sauté Aromatics:** Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
2. **Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste:** Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
3. **Incorporate Broth and Seasonings:** Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth). Add the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember you can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it away, so start conservatively.
4. **Simmer the Sauce:** Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and the sauce will thicken. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more broth.
5. **Adjust Sweetness:** After simmering, taste the sauce and add the granulated sugar (or honey) to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more to taste. This is a crucial step in replicating the classic Spaghettios flavor.
**Part 2: Cooking the Pasta**
1. **Boil Water:** While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. **Cook Pasta:** Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will become mushy in the sauce.
3. **Drain Pasta:** Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander.
**Part 3: Combining and Serving**
1. **Combine Sauce and Pasta:** Add the cooked pasta to the pot of tomato sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
2. **Heat Through:** Heat the Spaghettios over low heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
3. **Serve:** Ladle the Spaghettios into bowls and serve immediately. Top with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
## Tips and Variations
* **Add Vegetables:** For a healthier and more nutritious dish, add finely chopped vegetables to the sauce along with the onions. Good options include carrots, celery, bell peppers, and zucchini. Sauté the vegetables until softened before adding the tomatoes.
* **Use Different Pasta:** While ditalini, small shells, and elbow macaroni are traditional, you can experiment with other small pasta shapes like orzo or acini di pepe.
* **Make it Meaty:** For a heartier meal, add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey to the sauce. Brown the meat before adding the onions.
* **Add Cheese:** Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, or provolone cheese to the sauce for a cheesy twist.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
* **Make it Vegan:** Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Ensure that the pasta doesn’t contain any egg.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free pasta.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Substitute fresh oregano and basil for dried herbs. Use about 1 tablespoon of each, finely chopped.
* **Make a Double Batch:** This recipe is great for meal prepping. Make a double batch and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Blending the Sauce:** For an even smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce after it has simmered. Be careful when blending hot liquids. Alternatively, let the sauce cool slightly and blend in a regular blender in batches.
* **For Picky Eaters:** If your kids are particularly picky, consider adding pureed vegetables like butternut squash or sweet potato to the sauce. This will add extra nutrients without altering the flavor significantly.
* **Thickening the Sauce:** If your sauce isn’t thick enough after simmering, you can remove the lid and continue to simmer until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce while it’s simmering and stir until it thickens.
## Storing and Reheating
**Storing:**
* **Refrigerate:** Allow the Spaghettios to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, freeze the Spaghettios in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
**Reheating:**
* **Stovetop:** Reheat the Spaghettios in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a little water or broth if the sauce is too thick.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the Spaghettios in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
## Serving Suggestions
* **Classic Comfort Food:** Serve the Spaghettios as a main course for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
* **Side Dish:** Serve a smaller portion as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables.
* **Lunchbox Treat:** Pack the Spaghettios in a thermos for a warm and comforting lunch.
* **Potluck Dish:** Bring a large batch of Spaghettios to a potluck or family gathering.
* **Garnish Ideas:** Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, a dollop of ricotta cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil.
## Conclusion
This homemade copycat Spaghettios recipe, inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s simple and satisfying style, is a delicious and healthier alternative to the canned version. With fresh ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a comforting and flavorful dish that the whole family will love. So, ditch the can and embrace the joy of homemade! Enjoy!
