Ingredients
- Canned spaghetti and meatballs
- Fresh garlic (1 clove)
- Onion (1 small, diced)
- Fresh or sun-dried tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Fresh or dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil)
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh vegetables (mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, spinach)
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- Freshly cooked pasta
- Various cheeses (mozzarella, Parmesan, ricotta)
- Heavy cream
Instructions
Enhance the Sauce:
- Sauté garlic and onions in olive oil to build a flavor base.
- Add chopped fresh tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for depth.
- Stir in Italian herbs and red pepper flakes for a flavor boost.
Add Fresh Vegetables:
- Sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini and add to the sauce.
- Incorporate spinach at the end of cooking for added nutrients and color.
Improve the Meatballs:
- Sear canned meatballs in a pan to improve texture.
- Consider adding cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for extra protein.
Fix the Pasta:
- Cook fresh pasta to al dente and mix with the canned spaghetti to avoid mushiness.
- Toss the pasta with olive oil for flavor and to prevent sticking.
Add Cheese and Dairy:
- Stir in shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, or a dollop of ricotta to the sauce for creaminess.
- Add heavy cream for a richer texture.
Presentation and Serving:
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
- Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Customizing canned spaghetti with fresh ingredients can significantly improve its flavor and texture.
- Always taste and adjust seasonings to personal preference.
- Baking canned spaghetti with cheese can transform it into a comforting, casserole-style dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1/4 of total)
- Calories: 300-500 kcal
- Sugar: Dependent on added ingredients
- Sodium: High, can be managed by choosing low-sodium canned products
- Fat: Varies based on cheese and meat additions
- Saturated Fat: Dependent on dairy products used
- Unsaturated Fat: Olive oil adds healthy fats
- Trans Fat: None
- Carbohydrates: Dependent on the amount of pasta and vegetables added
- Fiber: Increased with the addition of vegetables
- Protein: Enhanced with extra meat and cheese
- Cholesterol: Dependent on dairy and meat products used
Keywords: Canned spaghetti, meatballs, enhance flavor, quick meals, family dinner