Perfect for Date Night
The Scene
Behind Tony's Restaurant, by candlelight, Lady and Tramp share a romantic spaghetti dinner. Tony and Joe serenade with "Bella Notte" as the two dogs accidentally kiss while eating the same strand of spaghetti. Animation's most iconic food moment.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/4 lb ground pork
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (28oz) San Marzano tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and red pepper flakes
To Serve:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- Fresh Parmesan for grating
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Make meatballs: Combine all meatball ingredients gently. Form into 8-10 balls. Don't overwork the meat!
- Brown meatballs: Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high. Brown meatballs on all sides (they don't need to cook through). Remove and set aside.
- Start the sauce: In the same pan, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant (30 seconds). Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer with meatballs: Nestle meatballs into sauce. Simmer 25-30 minutes on low until meatballs are cooked through.
- Cook pasta: Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Combine: Toss spaghetti with sauce, adding pasta water as needed. Top with meatballs.
- Serve romantically: Place on ONE plate for two. Add candles. Play "Bella Notte." Share a noodle.
