Housemade Pasta + Meatball Recipe

Make the pasta dough

On a clean surface or in a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and semolina flour with salt. Create a well in the center and add the eggs and olive oil. Gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs, mixing with a fork until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Wrap in plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.

After resting, divide the dough into portions and shape using your pasta attachment or by hand into your preferred shape: cavatelli, strozzapreti, or bucatini. If using gluten-free penne, skip this step and use store-bought gluten-free pasta.

Prepare the meatball mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly by hand until well combined.

Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and sear them on all sides until browned, about 6–8 minutes total. They do not need to be fully cooked through at this stage. Set aside.

Make the sauce

In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, and oregano. Stir to combine. Add the seared meatballs into the sauce and simmer over low heat for 25–30 minutes, covered, until the meatballs are fully cooked. Stir occasionally and add basil leaves during the final 5 minutes.

Cook pasta and serve

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the shaped pasta (or gluten-free penne) until al dente, about 2–3 minutes for fresh pasta or according to package instructions for dried pasta. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Add the pasta to the tomato sauce with meatballs, tossing gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.

Serve hot, topped with additional grated Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.