Pasta con Polpette Recipe

Pasta con Polpette, or pasta with meatballs, is a classic Italian dish that combines hearty meatballs with pasta and a rich tomato sauce. This dish is not only comforting but also brings the family together around the dinner table. From my own personal experience, I can tell you that nothing beats a plate of warm pasta and meatballs on a chilly evening. Let me show you how I make this delightful meal.

Notes on What to Expect

You can expect a hearty, comforting dish with juicy meatballs enveloped in a rich tomato sauce, paired with perfectly cooked pasta. The combination of flavors will remind you of a classic Italian family dinner.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Time to Stand: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 600
• Cost of Ingredients: $15 – $20 (depending on local prices)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course

Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Baking tray (optional for baking meatballs)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Tongs or pasta server
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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340g) spaghetti or your pasta of choice
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
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Method

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). Mix well with your hands or a spoon until combined.
2. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking tray or plate.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

1. Brown the Meatballs: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides. They do not need to be fully cooked through at this stage. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
2. Add Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir. Add sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Bring to a simmer.
3. Add Meatballs: Gently return the meatballs to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them. Cover and let simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Pasta: Add the spaghetti (or your choice of pasta) and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a little pasta water (about 1/2 cup).
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet with the sauce and meatballs, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate and Garnish: Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh basil or parsley, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Variations

• Meatball Variations: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a different flavor.
• Sauce Variations: For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese.
• Vegetarian Option: Use lentils or chickpeas instead of meat for the meatballs, combining them with breadcrumbs and spices.
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Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook.
• Freezing: Meatballs can be frozen before or after cooking. Just thaw and reheat when ready to use.
• Flavor Boost: Add some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra veggies.

Substitutions for Specific Dietary Needs

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
• Dairy-Free: Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
• Low-Carb: Use spiralized zucchini (zoodles) or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: Approximately 600
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 4g

Closing Thoughts

I hope this guide has made making Pasta con Polpette seem a little less daunting, or have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below! I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment.