The Best Spaghetti and Meatballs

• 1 lb spaghetti pasta
• Parmesan cheese for serving
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature

For the meatballs

• 1 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup white bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp finely chopped Italian parsley
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp pepper flakes( optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the tomato sauce

• 6 medium tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 medium onion, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp pepper flakes ( optional)
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 1 cup water