Pasta With Meatballs

This classic Italian-American dish features juicy, herb-spiced meatballs nestled in a savory tomato sauce and served over al dente pasta. The meatballs are typically made from a blend of ground beef and pork, bound with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and fresh herbs for maximum flavor and tenderness. The sauce, enriched with onions, garlic, and a splash of Marsala wine, simmers gently to meld the flavors together. It is a comforting, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. The combination of rich sauce and tender pasta creates a warm, inviting dinner that feels like home-cooked comfort food at its best. Serve with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete experience.

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Calories: 21.6

Description

This classic Italian-American dish features juicy, herb-spiced meatballs nestled in a savory tomato sauce and served over al dente pasta. The meatballs are typically made from a blend of ground beef and pork, bound with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and fresh herbs for maximum flavor and tenderness. The sauce, enriched with onions, garlic, and a splash of Marsala wine, simmers gently to meld the flavors together. It is a comforting, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. The combination of rich sauce and tender pasta creates a warm, inviting dinner that feels like home-cooked comfort food at its best. Serve with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete experience.

Ingredients

2 cup

Directions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
2
In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until just mixed.
3
Form the mixture into bite-sized meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
4
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Reduce heat to medium-low, add crushed plum tomatoes and Marsala wine to the skillet.
6
Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and sauce has thickened.
7
Cook vermicelli pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
8
Serve the pasta topped with the meatballs and sauce, garnished with crumbled bacon and additional Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 21.6kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.2g1%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 6.0mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 4.7g2%
Dietary Fiber 1.4g6%
Sugars 3.1g
Protein 1.1g3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Ingredient substitutions: If you cannot find fresh plum tomatoes, high-quality canned crushed tomatoes are an excellent alternative.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to refresh the sauce.

Variations: For a richer flavor, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce at the end of cooking. You can also swap vermicelli for spaghetti or penne.

Tip: Do not overmix the meatball mixture, or the meatballs may become tough. Handle gently when forming.

Keywords: italian, meatballs, pasta, tomato sauce, comfort food, beef, pork, garlic, onion, herbs, parmesan, dinner, family meal, easy, classic, homemade, savory, marinara, vermicelli, bacon

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/pasta-with-meatballs/