Description
Homemade Spaghettios with Crunchy Manchego is a comforting, kid-friendly meal that combines creamy tomato pasta with tender small pasta rings and a crispy Manchego-Parmesan breadcrumb topping. This American-inspired dish features a rich tomato sauce enhanced with garlic and onion powders, simmered with milk or cream for a luscious texture, and finished with melted Manchego cheese. The crunchy topping adds a delightful contrast, making it a nostalgic and satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghettios Sauce and Pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups tomato sauce or passata
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup whole milk or cream
- 1 cup small pasta rings (anellini or ditalini)
- 1/2 cup shredded Manchego cheese
Topping
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the small pasta rings according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor. Stir in tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Make the Creamy Spaghettios: Stir in the milk or cream to the sauce. Then add the cooked pasta and shredded Manchego cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy, coating the pasta evenly.
- Prepare the Crunchy Manchego-Parmesan Topping: In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook while stirring frequently until the topping turns golden brown and crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy spaghettios into bowls and sprinkle generously with the crunchy Manchego-Parmesan topping. Serve hot for the best experience.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded Manchego cheese for the best melting quality and flavor.
- For an extra depth of flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the tomato sauce base.
- This dish is a nostalgic comfort food that appeals to both children and adults.
