Save A hearty, one-pan Italian dish featuring tender meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce with pasta and melted cheese is perfect for a comforting family dinner.
I first made this Italian Meatball Pasta Skillet for a Sunday family gathering, and everyone loved it. The simple method and robust flavor quickly made it a weeknight favorite in our house.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 400 g (14 oz)
- Breadcrumbs: 50 g (1/2 cup)
- Egg: 1 large
- Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp grated
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Parsley: 2 tbsp fresh, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Bell pepper: 1 diced (red or yellow)
- Canned crushed tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz)
- Tomato passata or purée: 250 ml (1 cup)
- Dried Italian herbs: 1 tsp
- Sugar: 1/2 tsp
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli): 250 g (9 oz)
- Water or low-sodium chicken broth: 500 ml (2 cups)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 120 g (1 cup)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp
- Fresh basil leaves: For garnish
Instructions
- Make meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Shape into 16 to 18 small meatballs (about 1 tablespoon each).
- Brown meatballs:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and brown on all sides for 5 to 6 minutes. Remove meatballs and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3 minutes until softened.
- Simmer sauce:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato passata, Italian herbs, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Combine pasta and meatballs:
- Add the pasta and water or broth. Stir well, then return the meatballs to the skillet nestling them into the sauce.
- Cook covered:
- Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and meatballs are cooked through. Add a splash more water if needed.
- Add cheese topping:
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the skillet. Cover and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot straight from the skillet.
Save Sharing this meal around the table reminds me of cozy evenings when everyone eagerly helps themselves straight from the skillet. It's a dish that brings the family together for laughter and good food.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or sauté pan (with lid), mixing bowls, wooden spoon or spatula, and grater are needed for this recipe.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, egg, and milk. Gluten may be present depending on pasta and breadcrumbs used: always check ingredient labels for allergens and cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 590 calories, 25 g total fat, 54 g carbohydrates, 34 g protein.
Save Give this Italian Meatball Pasta Skillet a try for your next family dinner and enjoy how easy and delicious it is. Serve straight from the skillet for a truly comforting experience.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of pasta works best in this dish?
Short pasta varieties like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are ideal as they hold the sauce well and cook evenly in the skillet.
- → Can I substitute the meatballs with other proteins?
Yes, ground pork, turkey, or plant-based mince can be used to suit dietary preferences without compromising flavor.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from sticking during cooking?
Stir occasionally and ensure there is enough liquid in the skillet to allow the pasta to cook evenly and absorb the sauce.
- → Is there a way to add a spicy kick to this dish?
Adding chili flakes or fresh chopped chili during the sauce step can introduce a pleasant heat to the flavors.
- → How can this dish be made gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate gluten sensitivities while maintaining texture.