Meatball penne is a delicious and hearty dish that combines pasta with meatballs in a savory sauce. Here’s a simple recipe for you to try:Ingredients:
- Penne pasta
- Meatballs (you can use beef, pork, chicken, or a combination)
- Olive oil
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Crushed tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Cook the Penne: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Meatballs: You can either make your own meatballs from scratch or use pre-made ones. If cooking from scratch, brown the meatballs in a pan with a bit of olive oil until they are cooked through. If using pre-made meatballs, you can heat them according to the package instructions.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan used for the meatballs, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine Pasta, Meatballs, and Sauce: Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer together for a few minutes. Then, toss in the cooked penne pasta, ensuring that the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Once everything is heated through and well-mixed, serve the meatball penne in bowls. If desired, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
This dish is versatile, and you can customize it with additional ingredients such as fresh herbs, red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or extra vegetables. Enjoy your meatball penne!