Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comfort? Look no further than these mouthwatering Parmesan Meatballs with Pasta! In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a delightful Italian feast that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With tender meatballs infused with savory garlic and rich Parmesan, all nestled atop a bed of perfectly cooked pasta smothered in marinara sauce, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t miss out on the secret to creating these delectable meatballs that are as easy to make as they are delicious!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 8 ounces pasta of choice
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Gently form the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create about 12-14 meatballs depending on size preference.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly spray or brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place meatballs in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 4-5 minutes, rotating periodically to brown evenly on all sides.
- Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs, reducing heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until meatballs are fully cooked through with internal temperature reaching 160°F.
- While meatballs are simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain pasta and return to pot. Gently transfer meatballs and marinara sauce over the pasta, tossing to ensure even coating.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh garlic and high-quality grated Parmesan cheese. Fresh ingredients can make a significant difference in taste!
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: When combining the ingredients for the meatballs, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so mix just until everything is combined.
- Uniform Size: Aim for meatballs that are about
- 5 inches in diameter to ensure even cooking. Using a cookie scoop can help achieve uniformity.
- Brown the Meatballs: Make sure to brown the meatballs on all sides in the skillet before adding the marinara sauce. This step adds a delicious depth of flavor.
- Simmer Gently: When you add the marinara sauce, keep the heat at medium-low and cover the skillet. This allows the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce while cooking through perfectly.
- Pasta Cooking Tips: For the best pasta, always salt your boiling water generously. This enhances the flavor of the pasta and ensures it doesn’t taste bland.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley not only adds flavor but also makes your dish look restaurant-worthy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 646kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 148mg
