Our homemade gluten-free spaghetti O’s recipe is the next best thing for kids! They don’t have to miss out on this kid favorite dish as all the flavors have been transformed into a gluten-free version that is just as tasty.
Kids love spaghettios – there is just something about eating canned pasta that kids will always think is the best meal. With this recipe, kids won’t even know the difference! A simple recipe made with gluten-free pasta and homemade sauce to create a dish that is flavorful and more nutritious than the canned variety. A recipe all parents can stand behind!
Changing to a gluten-free lifestyle can be difficult for kids especially if you have an older child. Finding ways for kids to enjoy their favorites with a gluten-free twist is one of the best ways to encourage your child to be accepting of the lifestyle. This is a great recipe to start with!
This recipe is great to serve at home during the week for lunch or dinner or pour in a thermos for kids to pack in a lunchbox. If your kids enjoy packing hot lunch for school, Velveeta Cheese Sauce Dip, Broccoli Cauliflower Soup, and Creamy Chicken Enchiladas are must try thermos recipes.
A box of gluten free corn pasta rings was used along with nutritional yeast that adds a delicious cheesy flavor to the homemade sauce. When ready to start cooking, gather the ingredients then follow the simple directions below.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 7 oz. box pasta rings
- 15 oz. tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp. nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp. honey
- 2 tbsp. milk
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. salt
How To Make
This recipe is prepped, cooked and ready to serve in just 20 minutes. Making up to 6 servings per batch, adjust the ingredients depending on the same of your family.
Boil pasta.
Cook the gluten-pasta rings per box directions then drain and set aside.
Make the homemade sauce.
Add butter, tomato sauce, milk, honey, nutritional yeast, and spices to a medium-sized saucepan and bring to a simmer. Then, stir the cooked pasta into the sauce and mix until combined. Serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
Fresh Herbs: Consider adding fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano to the sauce just before serving. They can add a burst of fresh flavor and aroma.
Grated Cheese: Grate some fresh Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese on top of the pasta just before serving. This adds a savory depth to the dish.
Garlic Infusion: If you enjoy garlic, infuse the butter in the saucepan with a couple of cloves before adding other ingredients. This enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.
Balance Flavors: Taste the sauce before adding the pasta and adjust the seasoning. Add a pinch of salt or a splash of vinegar or lemon juice if needed to balance the flavors.
Consistency: If the sauce appears too thick, you can add a little pasta cooking water to the sauce to thin it out. The starchy water helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.
Vegetable Additions: Consider adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for added texture and nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe can be served immediately in a bowl at home or poured into a thermos to send in a lunchbox.
Of course! Sausage crumbles or gluten-free diced meatballs can be added to make Spaghettios with meatballs or gluten-free hot dogs can be mixed in.
1/4 cup of grated parmesan is a great replacement for the nutritional yeast.
Storage Instructions
If storing for later, allow the pasta and sauce to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate the pasta in the sauce within two hours of cooking, ensuring it’s covered tightly.
When reheating for lunch, ensure the pasta is thoroughly heated, reaching a safe temperature, before transferring it to a preheated thermos to maintain warmth. Consume within 3-4 days when properly stored in the refrigerator to retain quality and taste.
Gluten-Free Meals For Kids
Gluten-free Spaghetti O’s Recipe
Equipment
- 2 medium sized sauce pans
Ingredients
- 8.8 ounce anellini gluten-free pasta We used La Veneziane corn pasta
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast check for gluten-free
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Boil the pasta. Boil pasta rings per box directions, drain and set aside.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer. While the pasta is boiling, in another sauce pan add butter, tomato sauce, milk, honey, nutritional yeast, and spices. Bring to a simmer. Stir pasta into sauce.
- Serve. Serve immediately or refrigerate then reheat to put into thermos for lunch.
Notes
- 1/4 cup of grated parmesan is a great replacement for the nutritional yeast.
- Serve in a bowl or pack in a thermos.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days to reheat as desired.
Nutrition
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Melanie says
Your daughter is not alone…sometimes the Spaghetti O’s still call for me too! 😉 I’ll have to try this healthy homemade version!
Jodi Danen says
My husband too, Melanie! He ate more than my daughter did;)
Sara @sarahaasrdn.com says
A great idea! Thanks for sharing Jodi!
Jodi Danen says
I hope you enjoy, Sara.
Rachel @ Delicious Balance says
I love all of your ideas for feeding kids! These spaghettio-s might make an appearance in our house even though we are child-less 😉
Jodi Danen says
Thanks Rachel! My husband liked them even more than my daughter – enjoy! 🙂
Melissa says
My kids loved this!