Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Servings: 5
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces ring-shaped pasta (Anelli Siciliani)
- 30 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Cantanzaro herbs (such as Savory Spice Shop® Cantanzaro herbs)
- 2 teaspoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 16 ounces Italian-style meatballs
- 1/2 cup freshly shaved Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Directions:
- Cook the Pasta:
Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the ring-shaped pasta and return to a boil. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside. - Prepare the Sauce:
In the same pot, add the tomato sauce, Catanzaro herbs, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. - Make the Mini Meatballs:
While the sauce is simmering, cut each Italian-style meatball into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into a mini meatball shape and add them to the simmering sauce. Cook until the meatballs are heated through, about 10 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, thin it out by adding the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time. - Combine and Serve:
Stir in the cooked pasta rings into the sauce and meatballs. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and freshly shaved Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 539
- Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 26g
Enjoy this nostalgic yet upgraded dish that brings the classic Spaghetti-O’s to a whole new level with flavorful Italian-style meatballs and a deliciously seasoned sauce!
