Spaghetti with Herbed Meatballs and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

This delightful dish features traditional spaghetti paired with juicy, herbed meatballs, and roasted cherry tomatoes for a burst of flavor. The combination of classic Italian ingredients and a touch of creativity with the addition of fresh herbs and a hint of garlic elevates this meal, making it comforting yet exciting. It's a perfect balance for a family dinner, and it's easy to prepare, meeting a variety of dietary needs.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
4. In a separate bowl, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Spread them out on another baking sheet.
5. Bake the meatballs and tomatoes in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the tomatoes are roasted.
6. While the meatballs and tomatoes are baking, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
7. In a large saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done, add them to the sauce and let simmer for a few minutes.
8. Serve the spaghetti topped with meatballs, roasted cherry tomatoes, and garnish with fresh basil.