Pasta With Meatballs
Description
This comforting pasta dish features a rich, savory tomato sauce infused with the smoky depth of cooked bacon and aromatic garlic. The fresh plum tomatoes break down to create a luxurious texture that coats the delicate vermicelli perfectly. Topped with a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, this meal offers a robust Italian-inspired flavor profile that is both hearty and elegant. It is an excellent choice for weeknight dinners when you want a satisfying, home-style meal without the fuss of making traditional meatballs from scratch. The combination of sweet Marsala wine and dried oregano adds layers of complexity, making every bite delicious and memorable.Ingredients
Directions
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Cook the vermicelli according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Add the chopped garlic to the skillet and saut&# 195;© for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
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Stir in the peeled fresh plum tomatoes (or canned Italian plum tomatoes if using) and crush them slightly with a spoon.
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Pour in the Marsala wine and add the dried oregano. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Stir in the cooked, crumbled bacon. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Toss the drained vermicelli with the sauce in the skillet until evenly coated.
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Serve immediately, topped with a generous amount of fresh grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 21.6kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.2g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 6.0mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 4.7g2%
- Dietary Fiber 1.4g6%
- Sugars 3.1g
- Protein 1.1g3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
**Ingredient Substitutions:** If you cannot find fresh plum tomatoes, high-quality canned Italian plum tomatoes work perfectly. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or substitute with sun-dried tomatoes for a chewy texture and umami flavor.
**Storage:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess.
**Tip:** For extra richness, you can stir in a tablespoon of cream or heavy cream at the end of cooking. Ensure your garlic is finely minced to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the sauce.
