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SHADY SKETTI and RED ROCK MEATBALLS

This one is all about smart shortcuts that still taste amazing. Think flavorful meatballs baked in the oven (no fuss, no splatter), your favorite jar of marinara given a little extra personality, and a cozy pile of “sketti” noodles ready to catch every saucy bite. Make a double batch of meatballs to freeze for super fast meals later!
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Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

RED ROCK MEATBALLS

  • 1 Lb. Italian Sausage Sweet or Hot
  • or lean ground pork, beef or chicken
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko crumbs soaked in milk
  • 2 tbsp milk for soaking crumbs
  • 1 egg lightly beaten
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 tsp each onion and garlic powder
  • 1-2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼-½ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper

SHORTCUT MARINARA - simmer on low in saucepane while meatballs bake

  • 1 jar 24 oz YOUR FAVORITE marinara sauce
  • 1 clove garlic minced OR 1/4 TSP garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning or to taste
  • 1 tbsp each or to taste worcestershire sauce and balsamic vinegar

ADDITIONS TO MAKE THAT JAR OF MARINARA SING!

  • Aromatics: Fresh minced garlic diced onion, or shallots sautéed in olive oil or butter.
  • Dried Herbs: Oregano basil, thyme, or a pre-mixed Italian blend (best added early to simmer).
  • Heat: Red pepper flakes cayenne pepper, or Calabrian chili paste.
  • Depth & Richness: Parmesan cheese or a Parmesan rind simmered in the sauce, butter, or a splash of red wine.
  • Acidity/Sweetness Balancers: Balsamic vinegar lemon juice, or a pinch of sugar.
  • Fresh Finish: Fresh basil added just before serving
  • Capers or green olives added while heating the sauce
  • Adjust seasonings to your choice of meat. Italian sausage is already mostly seasoned

Instructions
 

MAKE THE MEATBALLS

  • PREHeat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with parchment / foil
  • lightly Mix all meatball ingredients until combined.
  • Roll into 1½-inch meatballs and place on sheet.
  • Bake 15–20 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  • Add meatballs to hot marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes

Serve over cooked pasta of your choice, sprinkled with parmasan

    ROCK THIS SKETTI BY TWEEKING WITH THE SEASONINGS ABOVE

      Notes

      • SOOT loves to toss the noodles in a bit of  the marinara before perching the meatballs on top..
      • Fresh grated parmasan is a MUST on top for serving
      • Try a dollop of sour cream on top of the meatballs for a fun creamy contrast to the red sauce
      Keyword italian, marinara, meatball, pasta, quick meal, spaghetti