Need help pairing wines !!!

[pepperoni]

Hi, I'm new to this board as well as wines. You could say I know absolutely zilch!!!
Anyway, my girlfriend's a culinary student and a bit of a wine buff. I want to take her out for a nice Italian meal. She's not too picky and sticks to simple ziti or spaghetti with marinara sauce and on occasion, a meatball or too. Also, loves salad with italian dressing. I want to choose a decent wine, yet not make an ass of myself while doing the same.
Any suggestions? She does have a bit of sweet tooth and recently she recommended a California red to me (can't remember the name) though she said it was "fruity and pleasant".
Maybe this message is a little vague, but I'd appreciate any suggestions, in fact if anybody can recommend some tried and tested wine pairing with popular Italian entrees, that'd be awesome.
Budget between $10-$15, though exceptions could cost up to $20-$25.

Thanks,

Chet