Pin Italian Meatball Pasta Skillet is a soulful one-pan meal that brings together tender, homemade meatballs and al dente pasta simmered in a robust tomato sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, it’s the perfect dish to gather your family around the table for an easy, comforting Italian feast.
Pin This dish blends simple pantry staples with fresh ingredients for an authentic taste of Italy. From the garlicky meatballs to the tender pasta swimming in a vibrant sauce, each bite offers warmth and satisfaction.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add remaining oil to the same skillet. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3 minutes until softened.
- 4.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato passata, Italian herbs, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- 5.
- Add the pasta and water/broth. Stir well, then return the meatballs to the skillet nestling them into the sauce.
- 6.
- 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.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the skillet. Cover and cook for another 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 8.
- Garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To keep your meatballs tender, mix the ingredients gently without overworking the meat. Sauté the vegetables just until softened for maximum flavor, and keep an eye on the pasta cooking time to avoid overcooking. If the sauce thickens too much, simply add a little more water or broth to maintain perfect consistency.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily swap ground beef for pork, turkey, or plant-based mince to suit your diet. Spice lovers can add chili flakes for an extra kick. For gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this hearty skillet dish with a simple green salad and crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the flavorful sauce. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and aroma.
Pin This Italian Meatball Pasta Skillet is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients and a single pan can create a delicious, satisfying meal. Its blend of textures and flavors will surely make it a repeat favorite in your kitchen.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta varieties like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold the sauce well and cook evenly in the skillet.
- → Can other meats be used instead of beef?
Yes, ground pork, turkey, or plant-based mince are great alternatives that maintain the dish's texture and flavor.
- → How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart during cooking?
Mix meatballs gently without overworking and brown them on all sides before simmering to help maintain shape.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Using gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs allows for a gluten-free version without sacrificing taste.
- → Can I add heat to the dish?
Yes, incorporating chili flakes during the sauce preparation adds a pleasant spicy kick.