Herbed Ground Pork Italian Meatballs with Marinara and Spaghetti
Classic Italian-inspired meatballs made with ground pork, fresh herbs, and a bright marinara, served with al dente spaghetti. The dish features a flavorful base and a cozy, family-friendly vibe with a touch of citrus bloom from grated zest.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
Servings:
2 servings
(originally 4 servings)Ingredients(scaled)
- ½ pound ground pork
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ⅛ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ½ tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ large egg
- ⅛ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cups marinara sauce
- 6 ounces spaghetti
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix pork, breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, egg, milk, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Form into 16 small meatballs and chill 10 minutes to set.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet; brown meatballs 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
- Pour in marinara, reduce heat to simmer; cook 12 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and saucy.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente; drain and toss with a splash of sauce.
- Serve meatballs and sauce over spaghetti; finish with a light squeeze of lemon and extra parsley.
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Grate parmesan fresh for bold flavor.
- Add a pinch of lemon zest to finish for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete Italian meal.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or marinara.
Nutritional Estimates
Per serving · 2 servings total
| calories | 640 |
|---|---|
| protein | 34 |
| carbs | 74 |
| fat | 25 |
| fiber | 4 |
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