Kid’s Spaghetti Diana & 2 Meatballs Recipe
Make Kid’s Spaghetti Diana & 2 Meatballs Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta & Sauce
Meatballs (makes 2 kid-size meatballs)
Garnish / To Serve
Method
Pasta & Sauce
- 1
Boil pasta
Bring 4 cups water to a rolling boil in a medium pot. Add 1 tsp salt. Add 2 cups spaghetti (break in half if needed for kid plates) and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until just tender (al dente) — about 8–10 minutes depending on thickness. Reserve 2–3 tbs cooking water, then drain the spaghetti.
- 2
Finish with sauce
Return the drained spaghetti to the pot over low heat. Add 1 cup mild marinara sauce, 1 tbs olive oil, and 1 tsp butter. Toss gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add 1–2 tbs reserved pasta water to loosen. Stir in 2 tbs grated Parmesan so the sauce clings to the pasta. Keep warm while you prepare the meatballs.
Meatballs (makes 2)
- 3
Make meatball mix
In a small bowl combine 4 oz ground beef, 2 tbs fresh breadcrumbs, 1 tsp milk, 1 tsp grated onion, 1 tsp finely grated Parmesan, 1 tsp garlic powder, a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a fork until just combined — avoid overworking so meatballs stay tender.
- 4
Form meatballs
Divide the mixture into two equal portions. With lightly wet hands, shape each portion into a smooth ball about 1 3/4 to 2 inches (kid-size).
- 5
Pan-fry meatballs
Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. When shimmering, add the two meatballs. Cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 6–8 minutes total. Reduce heat to low, add 2–3 tbs marinara (or spoon some from the jar) to the pan, cover loosely and let cook until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and are cooked through, about another 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest 2 minutes.
- 6
Optional finish
If you prefer, spoon a little of the warmed marinara over the meatballs and sprinkle a little Parmesan so they match the kid-friendly sauce.
Plating & Serve
- 7
Portion roughly 1 cup of sauced spaghetti onto a kid-sized plate. Place the two meatballs on top or to the side. Spoon a little extra sauce over meatballs if desired. Garnish with 1 tbsp extra grated Parmesan and, if using, thin chiffonade of 1 basil leaf. Serve warm.
