Craving a comforting and delicious dinner that’s quick and easy to prepare?
This Easy Pasta and Meatballs Dinner is just what you need!
With a rich marinara sauce, tender meatballs, and gooey melted mozzarella, this dish will satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling cozy and content.
Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients
- 8 oz short pasta of choice
- 16 oz Rao’s Homemade Marinara (or your favorite marinara sauce)
- 12 oz mini beef meatballs, frozen, fully cooked
- 1/2 cup pasta water reserved
- 6 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
For Garnish:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook the Meatballs and Marinara Sauce
- In a pot, add the Rao’s marinara sauce (or your favorite marinara) and the frozen, fully cooked mini beef meatballs.
- Cook on medium-low heat for about 15 minutes. This allows the meatballs to heat through and soak up the flavors of the sauce.
- Cook the Pasta
- Meanwhile, in a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook it for 2 minutes less than what the package instructions indicate. This ensures the pasta is al dente and won’t become too soft when mixed with the sauce.
- Before draining the pasta, save 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will help to thicken the sauce and make it cling to the pasta.
- Drain the rest of the water and set the pasta aside.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta and the reserved pasta water to the pot with the marinara sauce and meatballs.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes. This helps the pasta absorb some of the sauce and ensures everything is well combined.
- Melt the Mozzarella
- Arrange the sliced fresh mozzarella on top of the pasta.
- Close the pot with a lid and turn off the heat. Allow the cheese to melt for 5-7 minutes. The residual heat will melt the cheese beautifully, creating a creamy and delicious topping.
- Alternatively, you can place the pot in the oven and broil on high, uncovered, for a few minutes until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Easy Pasta and Meatballs Dinner!
Tips for Success
- Choosing the Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best for this recipe. They hold the sauce well and are easy to mix with the meatballs.
- Using Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and adds a rich, creamy texture to the dish. If you prefer, you can also use shredded mozzarella or another melting cheese of your choice.
- Enhancing the Flavor: Feel free to add extra spices or herbs to the marinara sauce for added flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of Italian seasoning, or a clove of minced garlic can take the sauce to the next level.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad and some crusty bread. A glass of red wine would also complement the rich flavors perfectly.
Enjoy this comforting and easy-to-make Pasta and Meatballs Dinner with your family and friends.
It’s a surefire way to make any evening special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Buon appetito!