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Pasta con Polpette Sure! Here’s a detailed step-by-step recipe guide for Pasta con Polpette. Pasta con Polpette #food #cucinaitaliana #pastaconpolpette #pastapomodoro#pasta#pastaalsugo#pastaconpolpette#foodpassion#photooftheday#pastaalpomodoro#pennoni#homemadefood#piattitipici#piattisemplici#primiitaliani#piattodelgiorno#

Pasta con Polpette

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Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian

Equipment

  • 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

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Instructions
 

  • Method
  • Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
  • 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).
  • 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
  • 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.