Forget the can—this homemade vegan spaghettiOs recipe is everything you loved growing up, but way better! Sweet tomato sauce, tender pasta, and a few pantry staples come together for a fun twist on this iconic classic.
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What’s better than a bowl of SpaghettiOs? A bowl of homemade vegan SpaghettiOs that’s as nostalgic as it is ridiculously fun to eat. Sweet, saucy, and packed with that cozy, childhood flavor you didn’t know you missed—only this time, we’ve ditched the dairy and mystery ingredients for a plant-based upgrade. Oh, and we’re throwing a prehistoric pasta party here, because dino shapes > plain old “O’s.” Obviously.
This recipe is the dinner equivalent of pure joy: quick to make, ridiculously cute, and guaranteed to spark some smiles (even on your most chaotic weeknight). So grab your biggest spoon, channel your inner kid, and let’s make dinner a little more roar-some.
If you’ve ever wished you could revisit that sweet, saucy SpaghettiO goodness from your childhood but with a homemade twist, this vegan SpaghettiOs recipe is the answer. It’s fun, quick, and packed with feel-good flavors you’ll want to revisit again and again. Here’s why this one deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation:
Classic Vibes, Veganized: This isn’t just a blast from the past; it’s a modern, plant-based twist on the SpaghettiOs you loved as a kid. Same sweet tomato sauce vibes, but with ingredients you can feel good about.
Prehistoric Pasta Party: Because dinner is way more fun when it involves dino-shaped pasta (or really, any pasta shapes you’ve got on hand). This dish proves that a little whimsy goes a long way at the table.
Customizable to the Core: Dino pasta? Classic O’s? A random bag of penne lurking in your pantry? Go wild—this recipe works with whatever pasta you have on hand, and you can toss in veggies for bonus points.
Kid-approved (and adult-loved): Whether you’re feeding a picky eater or sneaking bites straight from the pot, this dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s sweet, mild, and mess-free—the trifecta of a winning family dinner.
Minimal Effort, Maximum Joy: All you need is a pot, a pan, and less than 15 minutes to whip up a meal that’s as charming as it is satisfying. No stress, no mess, just good vibes.
Key Ingredients
This vegan spaghettiOs recipe is proof that a handful of humble ingredients can turn into something downright magical. With just the right balance of sweet, savory, and saucy, these pantry staples come together to recreate that SpaghettiOs magic—without the can. Here’s what you’ll need:
Dinosaur-shaped pasta (or whatever shape sparks joy):Dino pasta (from Pastabilities) brings a prehistoric party to the table, but any shape will do the trick. Classic O’s? Sure. Elbows? Why not? The real star is the way this pasta soaks up every last drop of that dreamy sauce.
Pro tip: The recipe calls for ⅔ of a 12 oz package (a rough estimate is fine), but you can use the entire package for less saucy SpaghettiOs. Or, you can cook all the pasta at once and save the remaining ⅓ of the pasta to serve as a snack for your kiddos. Reheated plain pasta is delicious drizzled with some olive oil and sprinkled with garlic salt and nutritional yeast.
Plain tomato sauce: This isn’t the time for chunky marinara. Plain tomato sauce is where it’s at—smooth, mild, and the perfect blank canvas for all the flavor we’re about to add.
Onion powder: A little sprinkle of onion powder gives the sauce that soft, savory base you didn’t know it needed.
Paprika: Just enough to add a whisper of smoky warmth that makes the whole thing taste extra special (without stealing the show).
Garlic powder or granules: Because everything is better with a little garlic, right? This gives the sauce a savory kick that keeps it from being too sweet.
Nutritional yeast: All the cheesy vibes with none of the cheese. “Nooch” is optional, but it’s the easiest way to make this sauce feel creamy and nostalgic.
Sugar: The not-so-secret ingredient that makes SpaghettiOs, well, SpaghettiOs. A touch of sweetness not only gives the sauce its signature kid-approved flavor but also balances out the natural acidity of the tomato sauce, making every bite irresistibly smooth.
Mix It Up With Your Favorite Veggies!
Want to sneak a little extra goodness into this saucy, nostalgic bowl? Adding veggies is an easy way to boost the nutrition and make this vegan SpaghettiOs feel like a well-rounded meal. The best part? These veggie options blend right in, keeping things fun and fuss-free for even the pickiest eaters:
Broccoli (we like to call them “baby trees”): Tiny florets of broccoli add a pop of color and a subtle crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. Chop them small, and they’re the perfect pop of bite-sized nutrition.
Carrots: Grated or finely chopped carrots melt into the sauce, adding a natural sweetness that fits right in with the SpaghettiOs vibe. Bonus: no one will even notice they’re there.
Peas: Sweet and tender, peas are the ultimate kid-approved veggie. Toss them in for a burst of green that works like magic with the sauce and pasta.
Spinach: A handful of fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the warm sauce, making it easy to sneak in a serving of greens without anyone batting an eye.
How To Make These Vegan SpaghettiOs
This recipe is as simple as it gets—just boil your pasta, whisk up the sauce, and combine for a bowl of pure nostalgic goodness. In less than 15 minutes, you’ll have a saucy, comforting dinner that’s so easy. For full recipe details, scroll to the end of this post!
Step 1: Cook your pasta. Fill a pot with water, bring it to a boil, and cook your dino-shaped pasta (or any pasta you choose) according to the package instructions.
Step 2: Sauce it up. While the pasta is cooking, whisk together your tomato sauce, spices, sugar, and nutritional yeast in a pan over medium heat. Let it simmer for a few minutes to bring out the flavors.
Step 3: Reserve the pasta water. Before draining your pasta, save a bit of that starchy pasta water—it’s the secret to keeping the sauce perfectly smooth and silky.
Step 4: Combine and conquer. Add the cooked pasta to your pan of sauce, one scoop at a time, until you’ve got your ideal pasta-to-sauce ratio. Stir it all together.
Step 5: Serve and devour. Serve hot, garnish with basil or vegan parmesan if you’re feeling fancy, and enjoy!
FAQs
Are original SpaghettiOs vegan?
No, original SpaghettiOs are not vegan. They contain dairy-based cheese and other animal-derived ingredients, making them unsuitable for a plant-based diet. This vegan SpaghettiOs recipe is a delicious alternative that brings all the nostalgic flavors without the animal products.
Are vegan SpaghettiOs healthy?
Vegan SpaghettiOs can be a healthier option compared to the canned version, thanks to simple, whole-food ingredients and no processed additives. While not a health food, this recipe skips the dairy and artificial flavors, and you can easily add veggies to boost the nutrition.
Can I make vegan SpaghettiOs gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta in place of the dino shapes, and you’ll have a version that’s just as saucy and fun. The sauce is naturally gluten-free, so this swap is a breeze.
If you make this vegan spaghettios recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know what you think in the comments below! I love reading your comments!
Homemade vegan SpaghettiOs are here to bring all the nostalgic vibes—with a fun, plant-based twist! Sweet tomato sauce, perfectly tender pasta (dino shapes, anyone?), and just the right touch of cheesy goodness without the cheese. It’s quick, cozy, and guaranteed to make dinner feel like a little party in a bowl!
8ouncesuncooked dinosaur-shaped pasta, or pasta of your choice
15ouncestomato sauce, plain
½teaspoononion powder
¼teaspoonpaprika
¼teaspoongarlic powder or granules
1teaspoonsalt
1tablespoonnutritional yeast
1tablespoonsugar
1tablespoonvegan butter, optional
2tablespoonspasta water
1tablespoonfresh sliced basil or chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to boil on the stove and cook pasta according to package instructions. Rinse pasta with cold water immediately after cooking.
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the tomato sauce, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, nutritional yeast, sugar, and butter and whisk for a few minutes until thoroughly combined and heated through.
Once pasta is done cooking, drain well, reserving 2 tablespoons of the pasta water. Add the pasta water to the sauce and mix well.
Stir cooked, drained pasta into the sauce one scoop at a time until you’ve reached your desired pasta-to-sauce ratio.
Serve garnished with basil (unless your kiddos request “no green stuff!”) and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Enjoy it fresh: This dish is best served hot, just after cooking, for that perfect saucy, slurpable texture.
Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken, but it’s still delicious.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or plant milk to bring back the saucy consistency.
Make it ahead: Prep the sauce in advance and combine it with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.
Customization: Feel free to add veggies like peas, carrots, or broccoli for a nutrition boost or swap the dino pasta for any shape you have on hand.
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Even though the sauce seems simple, it has SUCH a great flavor! (especially with the nutritional yeast added!) That pasta is such a cool shape! It made me happy just looking at them – lol!
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This is such a fun recipe to make for the kids…I even got dino shaped pasta for it! They loved it!!
Love this recipe! Some nooch sprinkled on top…yum!
These were a total hit with my three boys! Yum!
Even though the sauce seems simple, it has SUCH a great flavor! (especially with the nutritional yeast added!) That pasta is such a cool shape! It made me happy just looking at them – lol!
These were delicious!
I had so much fun creating this recipe, hope you love it! Can’t wait to make these Spaghettios for my little Graham when he gets a bit older 🙂