Spaghetti And Meatball Recipe
Make Spaghetti And Meatball Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Meatballs
Sauce
Pasta & Finishing
Method
Meatballs
- 1
- 2
Form meatballs
Divide the mixture into 12 even portions and roll into smooth, gently compacted 1- to 1.25-inch meatballs. Place formed meatballs on a tray or plate lined with parchment.
- 3
Pan-fry meatballs
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When shimmering, add meatballs in a single layer without crowding (work in batches if necessary). Cook until browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes, then carefully turn to brown on other sides, total 6–8 minutes until golden but not fully cooked through. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.
Sauce
- 4
Sauté aromatics
In the same skillet (wipe out excess oil leaving about 1 tablespoon) add 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 5
Build the sauce
Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp sugar (optional), 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- 6
Finish meatballs in sauce
Return the browned meatballs to the sauce, nestling them into the simmer. Cover partially and simmer gently for 12–15 minutes until meatballs are cooked through (internal temp 160°F/71°C) and sauce has slightly thickened. Stir gently occasionally to prevent sticking.
Pasta & Finishing
- 7
Cook spaghetti
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook according to package directions for al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water then drain the spaghetti.
- 8
Combine pasta and sauce
Return drained spaghetti to the pot or a warm serving pan. Add 1–2 ladlefuls of the tomato sauce (or more to coat) and 1 teaspoon butter if using. Toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if it needs loosening.
- 9
Serve
Portion spaghetti onto children's plates. Place 3 meatballs on top of each portion and spoon warm sauce over. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon grated parmesan per serving (use 1/4 cup total divided) and garnish with small basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately while warm.