Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsFortinaWood-fired Paccheri Recipe

Wood-fired Paccheri Recipe

Inspired by Fortina
Time1h
Serves4

"a la vodka", mini meatballs, parm, breadcrumbs

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Ingredients

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Pasta

Meatballs

Vodka Sauce

Topping

Method

Pasta Preparation

  1. 1

    Cook the Paccheri

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the paccheri pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Meatball Preparation

  1. 2

    Make the Meatballs

    In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.

  2. 3

    Form the Meatballs

    Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet.

  3. 4

    Cook the Meatballs

    Preheat your wood-fired oven. Place the meatballs in the oven and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.

Vodka Sauce Preparation

  1. 5

    Sauté the Aromatics

    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

  2. 6

    Add Tomatoes and Vodka

    Stir in crushed tomatoes, vodka, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

  3. 7

    Finish the Sauce

    Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and fresh basil. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.

Combining the Dish

  1. 8

    Combine Pasta and Sauce

    In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked paccheri pasta and vodka sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.

  2. 9

    Add Meatballs

    Add the cooked meatballs on top of the pasta and sauce, gently mixing them in.

Topping and Serving

  1. 10

    Prepare the Topping

    In a small bowl, mix together grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and chopped parsley.

  2. 11

    Serve

    Sprinkle the topping mixture over the pasta and meatballs. Serve immediately.

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