Indulge in the rich, authentic flavors of Italy with Mama-Mia Italian Pasta. This classic dish features al dente pasta tossed in a savory tomato sauce infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Perfectly complemented with juicy meatballs and topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this recipe will transport you to the streets of Italy. Whip it up in just 30 minutes and impress your loved ones with a bowlful of deliciousness.
Ingredients
- For the pasta:
- - 1 pound (450g) spaghetti
- - 2 tablespoons olive oil
- - 4 cloves garlic, minced
- - 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- - 1 teaspoon dried basil
- - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- - Salt and pepper, to taste
- - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- For the meatballs:
- - 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- - 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- - 1/4 cup milk
- - 1 egg
- - 2 cloves garlic, minced
- - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- - Salt and pepper, to taste
- - 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, milk, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Serve the Mama-Mia Italian Pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.
Interesting Facts
Pasta is a staple in Italian cuisine and is enjoyed in countless variations throughout the country.
The term 'al dente' means 'to the tooth' in Italian and refers to pasta that is cooked firm to the bite.
Parmesan cheese is an Italian cheese that is renowned for its nutty and savory flavor profiles.
Meatballs, also known as 'polpette' in Italian, are a popular accompaniment to pasta dishes in Italy.
Italian cuisine places a strong emphasis on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to create dishes bursting with flavor.