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Easy 45 Minute Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe photo

45 Minute Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

A quick and comforting spaghetti and meatballs dinner ready in under an hour.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Abruzzese-style Italian meatballs about 24; use two packages of frozen cooked meatballs if needed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 cup baby bella mushrooms diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 24 oz marinara sauce about 2 jars
  • 14.5 oz petite diced tomatoes 1 can
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 2 bay leaves
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • parmesan cheese to garnish, optional
  • parsley to garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. Bake the meatballs according to package directions and set aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the diced onion and mushrooms and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. Pour in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, water, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and bay leaves; season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low, add the cooked meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer so flavors meld while you cook the pasta, about 10–15 minutes.
  7. Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente according to package directions, then drain.
  8. Toss the drained spaghetti with the sauce and meatballs, remove bay leaves, and serve topped with Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Use frozen cooked meatballs if Abruzzese-style are unavailable.
  • Two packages of meatballs equals about 24 pieces.
  • I used Classico Tomato Basil Marinara.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste.