Italian Meatball Pasta Skillet

Italian Meatball Pasta Skillet is a hearty, one-pan Italian dish that brings the warmth of tender meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce together with perfectly cooked pasta and melted cheese. This easy and comforting recipe is perfect for a family dinner, combining classic flavors with minimal cleanup.

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Preparing this dish requires only a few simple steps and readily available ingredients. The balance of savory meatballs, bright tomato sauce, and cheesy topping make it a beloved classic in many households.

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs
  • 400 g (14 oz) ground beef
  • 50 g (1/2 cup) breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
• For the Sauce and Pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)
  • 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 250 ml (1 cup) tomato passata or purée
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 250 g (9 oz) short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
  • 500 ml (2 cups) water or low-sodium chicken broth
• For the Topping
  • 120 g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Shape into 16–18 small meatballs (about 1 tablespoon each).

2. Brown the meatballs

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add meatballs and brown on all sides for 5–6 minutes. Remove meatballs and set aside.

3. Sauté the vegetables

Add remaining oil to the same skillet. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3 minutes until softened.

4. Build the sauce

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato passata, Italian herbs, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

5. Add pasta and liquids

Add the pasta and water/broth. Stir well, then return the meatballs to the skillet nestling them into the sauce.

6. Simmer

Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and meatballs are cooked through. Add a splash more water if needed.

7. Add cheese topping

Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the skillet. Cover and cook for another 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Garnish and serve

Garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure your meatballs stay tender, avoid overmixing the beef mixture. Browning the meatballs thoroughly before simmering helps develop depth of flavor. Use a skillet with a lid to keep moisture in while the pasta cooks, ensuring everything is perfectly tender. Adding a splash of extra water during simmering can prevent the dish from getting too thick or sticking.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Feel free to swap ground beef for pork, turkey, or plant-based mince according to your preference. For a bit of heat, add chili flakes when cooking the sauce. Gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs are an easy substitution for those with gluten intolerance, without sacrificing flavor.

Serviervorschläge

This Italian Meatball Pasta Skillet pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Serve it family-style directly from the pan for a cozy and inviting meal.

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The Italian Meatball Pasta Skillet is a perfect recipe to add to your rotation when craving comfort food that pleases everyone at the table. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and one skillet to clean, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Recipe FAQ Section

→ What type of pasta works best with this dish?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold the sauce well and complement the meatballs perfectly.

→ Can I substitute beef in the meatballs?

Yes, ground pork, turkey, or plant-based options can be used without compromising the dish's flavor.

→ How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart during cooking?

Mix ingredients gently and shape firm meatballs. Browning on all sides before simmering helps them hold their shape.

→ Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to adapt the dish while maintaining its texture and taste.

→ How can I add a spicy kick to the sauce?

Incorporate chili flakes or fresh chili peppers when sautéing the vegetables to introduce heat.