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Creamy Grown-Up Spaghetti-Os Recipe Easy Homemade Tomato Pasta Rings

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A nostalgic yet grown-up twist on classic Spaghetti-Os featuring a creamy tomato sauce with pasta rings. Quick, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) tomato-shaped pasta rings or any small pasta like ditalini, anelletti, or small elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup (240 ml) canned crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half (or whole milk for lighter version)
  • ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra-virgin)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of pasta rings and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7 to 9 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup (120 ml) of the pasta water, and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Stir in 1 cup (240 ml) of crushed tomatoes and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Mix well and let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Stir well to combine.
  5. Lower the heat and slowly pour in ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream, stirring constantly to create a silky texture. Add ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  6. Toss the drained pasta rings into the creamy tomato sauce. Stir gently to coat every ring evenly. Cook together for another 1-2 minutes to marry the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if available.

Notes

Watch the cream closely as it heats to prevent curdling by keeping the heat low and stirring often. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Garlic should be cooked just until fragrant to avoid bitterness. Fresh herbs like basil brighten the dish when added at the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy spaghetti-os, tomato pasta rings, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, quick dinner, creamy tomato sauce

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/creamy-grown-up-spaghetti-os-recipe-easy-homemade-tomato-pasta-rings/