Pasta and meatballs is a classic Italian-American dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. This hearty and delicious meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a pasta and meatballs dish that will be sure to impress your family and friends. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making the perfect pasta and meatballs, from choosing the right ingredients to cooking the meatballs and sauce. We will also provide tips on how to make your pasta and meatballs even more delicious, such as adding different herbs and spices or serving it with a side of garlic bread. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, this article will help you create a pasta and meatballs dish that you will love.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
PASTA WITH MEATBALLS AND HERB SAUCE
Before you use herbs as a main ingredient - it helps to know which ones work on a grand scale. Parsley, obviously, works in abundance: it's clean-tasting, pleasantly grassy and almost never overwhelming. You can add literally a bunch (bunches!) of it to salad, soup, eggs, pasta, grains or beans. The same is largely true of basil, and you can use other mild herbs - chervil, chives, cilantro, dill, shiso - by at least the handful. (Mint is also useful but will easily take over a dish if you add too much of it. But all of these are great for making herb pastes, or pestos, alone or in combination. Use the same technique you use for basil pesto.)
Provided by Mark Bittman
Categories dinner, easy, pastas, main course
Time 40m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Mix together the basil, parsley and chives. Soak the bread in the milk for 5 minutes, then gently squeeze any excess milk from the bread; discard the milk. Combine the bread with the meat, 1 cup of the herbs and some salt and pepper; shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it. Put 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the meatballs in a single layer (work in batches if necessary). Cook, turning occasionally, until brown on all sides, 5 to 10 minutes.
- Cook the pasta in the boiling water until tender but not mushy. While the pasta is cooking, purée 11/2 cups of the herbs with 4 tablespoons oil, the garlic and some salt and pepper in a mini food processor or blender; leave the sauce rough or add a little water if you want it smoother. Drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of its cooking liquid. Toss the pasta with the herb sauce and most of the remaining herbs, adding the reserved liquid if the mixture seems dry. Top with the meatballs, garnish with Parmesan and the last of the herbs and serve.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 750, UnsaturatedFat 22 grams, Carbohydrate 89 grams, Fat 31 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 28 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 549 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams
GREEK PASTA WITH MEATBALLS AND FETA CHEESE
This recipe is loosley based on one that I got from the Cooking Light archives. I chose to partially bake the meatballs in the oven, then finish off the baking in the marinara sauce.
Provided by Abby Girl
Categories Lamb/Sheep
Time 50m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Cook orzo according to package directions; drain. Keep warm.
- Combine breadcrumbs , oregano, salt, cinnamon, black pepper, lamb and garlic in a medium bowl; stir in 1 1/2 tablespoons parsley. Add egg white, stirring mixture until just combined. Shape mixture into 12 (1-inch) meatballs; cover and chill meatballs 5 minutes. (Can be made ahead of time).
- Preheat oven to 375.
- Bake the meatballs on a roaster pan for 20 minutes. Drain the fat, if necessary. Place the meatballs in a new baking dish and spoon the marinara sauce over meatballs; sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 375° for 20 minutes or until meatballs are done. Sprinkle with remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons parsley.
- Serve over orzo.
DEE DEE'S ITALIAN MEATBALLS AND PASTA
I found an older model electric pasta machine in the box and like new for $8 in a thrift store. Previous owner(s) had obviously not used this machine very often. SCORE! I couldn't wait to get home and play with this new gadget and I really wanted to make an impression with the 1st meal since I was making my own pasta. I love...
Provided by Diane Atherton
Categories Beef
Time 1h30m
Number Of Ingredients 26
Steps:
- 1. Soak bread slices in milk; squeeze excess moisture out of bread. Combine bread and remaining ingredients together except for the olive oil; mix well. Form meatballs. I made 21 large meatballs using a 1/4 cup measuring cup. You can make any size you desire.
- 2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over a medium heat; add meatballs and brown. Once browned, cover an reduce heat to low (just to keep warm). Prepare sauce.
- 3. SAUCE: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper and garlic; cook until tender.
- 4. Add red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper; stir. Bring to a slow boil, reduce heat slighly and let simmer for 15 minutes covered. Remove lid and simmer another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to thicken.
- 5. Add meatballs to sauce, cover and simmer for another 30 minutes.
- 6. Plate up pasta, place 2 or 3 meatballs on top of spaghetti (or pasta of choice) and spoon sauce over top. Sprinkle with a little parmesan. Serve with a side salad and a fresh roll.
ONE-PAN PASTA AND MEATBALLS
Four ingredients is all you need for an easy Italian night!
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 30m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In 10-inch skillet, heat water and pasta sauce to boiling. Stir in macaroni, meatballs and olives. Return to boiling.
- Reduce heat to medium. Cover; cook 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until macaroni is tender. Sprinkle with cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 790, Carbohydrate 92 g, Cholesterol 145 mg, Fiber 6 g, Protein 39 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1940 mg
Tips:
- Choose the right pasta: Short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or ziti work best with meatballs, as they can hold the sauce and meatballs well.
- Make sure your meatballs are well-seasoned: Use a combination of fresh herbs, grated cheese, and spices to flavor your meatballs. Be generous with the seasonings, as they will help the meatballs stand out in the sauce.
- Brown the meatballs before simmering them in the sauce: This will help develop their flavor and prevent them from becoming dry.
- Use a flavorful sauce: A good tomato sauce is essential for pasta and meatballs. Use a combination of fresh and canned tomatoes, and add plenty of garlic, onion, and herbs.
- Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for at least 30 minutes: This will allow the flavors to meld and the meatballs to become tender.
- Serve the pasta and meatballs with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese: This will add a cheesy, umami flavor to the dish.
Conclusion:
Pasta and meatballs is a classic dish that is loved by people of all ages. It is a simple yet satisfying meal that can be easily made at home. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious pasta and meatballs dish that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy your delicious pasta and meatballs with your loved ones!
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