This month’s Improv Cooking Challenge was to use Italian Seasoning and Wine in a recipe. Give how close we are to Valentine’s day, this immediately made me think of Lady and the Tramp and their romantic pasta dinner at Tony’s. That was my inspiration to come up with Lady and the Tramp Spaghetti and Meatballs.

At Walt Disney World, they have a restaurant dedicated to Lady and the Tramp: Tony’s Town Square. They have a menu item for Spaghetti and it is described as “Choice of Hand-rolled Pork-Beef Meatballs or Italian Sausage with Freshly Made Thin Spaghetti, and Tony’s Marinara Sauce”. For this version, I decided on turkey meatballs, but you could easily swap that for pork, beef or Italian Sausage. I may try this same recipe with some of those versions later. We loved the turkey meatballs with this dish.

I like to make my own Italian Seasoning as I find it easier to do it this was as I can have it seasoned exactly as I want it. I also prefer not to have as many spice bottles on the shelf if I can help it. However, I do understand the appeal of the simplicity of just pulling a bottle of spices that are already mixed out and adding it to a recipe, so feel free to use your favorite Italian Seasoning if you have one and replace it in the recipe.

Lady and the Tramp Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Lady and the Tramp Spaghetti and Meatballs

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Inspired by the movie Lady and the Tramp and Tony's Town Square at Walt Disney World.

Ingredients

Italian Seasoning

• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 31/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper

Sauce

• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 tsp. sugar
• 3 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped

Meatballs

• olive oil
• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp. red wine (or milk)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 box of spaghetti

Instructions

*NOTE: The Italian Seasoning is divided between the Sauce and Meatballs. Be careful not to put all into the sauce.

Italian Seasoning

Combine the spices in a small bowl, set aside.

Sauce

In a Dutch oven, saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil until tender, about five minutes.

Add the red wine, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and 1 1/2 tbsp. Italian seasoning and parsley. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Meatballs

Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, the remaining Italian seasoning, onion, garlic and parsley in a bowl.

Shape mixture in 32 one inch balls.

Place on a cooking sheet covered in aluminum foil. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes or until meatballs are browned.

To Serve

Spoon spaghetti onto the serving plate and sprinkle a little chopped parsley on top. You may also season with pepper if desired.

Spoon sauce on top of the spaghetti. Place meatballs on top of the sauce. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Garnish with bread sticks, if desired.

Pin for later!

Inspired to make a recipe using Italian Seasoning and Wine.

• Creamy Italian Dressing With Mayo & Red Wine Vinegar by
  Sneha’s Recipe
• Italian Sausage Marinara with Penne by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
• Lady and the Tramp Spaghetti and Meatballs by Simply Inspired Meals
• Lemon Caper Italian Chicken by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Pasta in White Wine Herb Sauce by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Sausage Spaghetti Sauce Over Zoodles by Reviews, Chews & How-Tos
• Slow Cooker White Wine Mushrooms by Cheese Curd In Paradise
• Veal Scalloppini and Piccata Gnocchi by Palatable Pastime
• Winey Mary: Bloody Mary meets Red Wine by Our Good Life
• White Wine & Herb Grilled Chicken by Kate’s Recipe Box

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