🍝 The Most Basic but Tasty Spaghetti with Meatballs

🍝 The Most Basic but Tasty Spaghetti with Meatballs #dinner #easyrecipe

It is that time of the day again that we are making dinner for my family. This was our dinner last week either Friday or Saturday. I made few adjustments on the recipe because I think this is what I would have done to let it be just right.

Nonetheless, it will still slightly make a difference because of the salt content. Just - slightly.

I made this when (referencing Kai) Kai was still not alert and still sleeps a lot. Couple of weeks and few days old. So, I really got a chance to help mom in the kitchen.

I made a reserve as of writing this recipe of 1/2 cup pasta water instead of the 1 cup of pasta water I used in the making of this recipe in actuality because I am taking note of the salt content. Since it is a dash of salt approximate not an exact measurement, guided by my spaghetti craving tastebuds.

In itself is like a guide since measuring the water volume (in cups) if you have sprinkled a lot of salt while you cook the pasta in flavoring the pasta water then it is still safe to do so because it is just 1/2 of a cup of the pasta water. Which offers to mix and add flavor for the pasta sauce.

This is why it is basic because we remedy the amounts to taste approximately so.

The True Story of the Cheese Bar

Ready for it?

Here we go! We did not have parmesan. LOL! So, to have variety of cheeses for toppings, we had shredded Pepper Jack cheese, and shredded Cheddar cheese.

Um, that is it for this story.

Meatball Servings

Take note we serve our individual portions with the protein, which are the meatballs which is measured approximately too. So that we will have even servings altogether for 4-5 people accounted given we only cooked 1 box of the pasta. And jar of Spaghetti sauce.

A little balanced perhaps, is what I am trying to say?

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Comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. This crowd-pleasing classic uses everyday pantry staples for a warm, satisfying family-style meal—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

📋 Recipe Card

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
5 minutes	25 minutes	30 minutes	4–5 people

✨ Ingredients:

For the Sauce & Meatballs:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp minced garlic

• ½ medium yellow onion, diced

• ~25–30 Kirkland Frozen Italian-Style Meatballs

• 1 jar (24 oz) Great Value Tomato Basil Garlic Pasta Sauce

• ½ cup reserved pasta water

  tsp salt

For the Pasta:

• 3 cups water

• 1 box Great Value Thin Spaghetti

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Dash of garlic powder

• Dash of salt

• Dash of black pepper

Toppings (Optional):

• Cheese bar options:

  • 1/5 cup grated parmesan

  • 1/5 cup shredded cheddar

🥣 Instructions:

1. Start the Sauce Base

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until soft and fragrant (about 2–3 minutes).

2. Add Meatballs

Place frozen Kirkland meatballs directly into the pan with the sautéed aromatics. Cook until meatballs are heated through and no longer frozen (about 5–8 minutes), stirring occasionally.

3. Simmer with Sauce

Pour the entire jar of pasta sauce over the meatballs. Add 1 tsp salt and ½ cup reserved pasta water. Stir and let simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the pasta.

Save a Little Pasta Water.

4. Cook the Pasta

Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add the thin spaghetti, 1 tbsp olive oil, and a dash each of garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir lightly. Cook according to package directions (about 9 minutes), then drain—but save ½ cup pasta water before draining.

5. Assemble and Serve

Serve family-style: pasta on a plate with a generous ladle of meatballs and sauce on top. Let everyone top their plates from a mini cheese bar with grated parmesan or cheddar cheese.

🍽️ Nutrition (Per Serving – Est. 5 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~540 kcal
Protein	~26g
Carbohydrates	~47g
Fat	~28g
Fiber	~4g
Sodium	~960mg

Note: Nutrition may vary slightly depending on exact pasta quantity, cheese toppings, and meatball count.

📝 Notes:

• You can use the leftover pasta water to adjust the sauce’s texture.

• For a veggie boost, stir in a handful of spinach or chopped bell peppers.

• Want it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while simmering.

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Thanks for reading this recipe. May it be of help to kick start your dinner prep any day of the week (given a thanks are in order to you) for receiving it with openness and give this basic but tasty recipe a go.

Sidenote, I have been cooking for my family too long to know how my family wants their food. With my acceptance from suggestions and few loving, tactful requests, with love. I know it is coming from a good heart and place. Because they also know I like to entertain even if it is just us as a family gathering for a warm satisfying dinner on these warm summer months.

I know though even if they will not tell me they like the taste of my homecooked dish or it is a little borderline yummy or a little bland, I know it has a certain tell when we eat at the dining table.

Mom always has been great for commending me. Just a spoiler, "Yum, Inday

it just hits the spot."

*Though the word "Inday" has a simple general meaning of "girl" in Visaya. It is used as an endearment from my mom to me. When she says "Inday" it actually means "daughter". I know it is awkward really the context when it is translated in English without giving a medium-long explanation of the word and how it is used among mothers towards daughters. Or anyone who has a female-to-female conversation especially when an older person is addressing a younger one.

Just sharing a little tidbit of my Filipino culture. It is understood like this to my heart.

More to come stay tuned.