Baked Meatballs with Creamy Pesto Pasta

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Mamma Mia Meatballs: Baked Meatballs with Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe
in Baked & Roasted, Beef, Boiled & Steamed, Dinner, Europe, Italian, Meat, Moderate Cooking Time (30 to 60 Minutes), Pasta, Pasta, Grains, Rice & Beans

Prep

20 minutes

Cook

30 minutes

Ready In

50 minutes

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound pasta (penne, ziti, or your favorite)
1/2 cup prepared pesto sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Nutrition Information

Servings
4
Calories per Serving
600
Carbohydrates
50g
Fat
30g
Protein
40g
These baked meatballs are dunked in a creamy pesto sauce and cradled by tender pasta, creating a dish that's both comforting and bursting with flavor. It's a fusion of Italian soul and American appetite, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in!

Instructions: How to make the best baked meatballs with creamy pesto pasta

1.Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2.Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into 1-inch meatballs.
3.Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
4.Cook the pasta: While meatballs bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water.
5.Make the pesto pasta: Return pasta to the pot. Add pesto sauce, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes (if using), and reserved pasta water. Stir until well combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6.Add cooked meatballs to the pesto pasta and gently toss to coat.
7.Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves (optional).

Easy baked meatballs with pesto pasta

Our easy meatball recipe with creamy pesto pasta is a delicious collision of cultures, bringing together the warmth of Italian flavors and the satisfying richness of American-style meatballs. The creamy pesto sauce coats the pasta and meatballs beautifully, creating a comforting and flavorful dish for a family-friendly dinner. It’s easy to prepare, yet impressive enough for special occasions.

Baked Meatballs with Creamy Pesto Pasta: Easy, Family-Friendly, Perfect for Weeknight Dinners

This recipe is designed for both convenience and crowd-pleasing taste. The meatballs bake in the oven, making them hands-off and easy to cook. The pesto pasta sauce comes together quickly, using prepared pesto for a flavorful shortcut. The ingredients are simple and readily available, making it a great option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Italian-inspired comfort food that’s ready in under an hour

Bonus Tip: For a vegetarian option, substitute the meatballs with meatless crumbles or roasted chickpeas. You can also use different types of pesto, such as basil pesto, sun-dried tomato pesto, or spinach pesto, to customize the flavor.

Ready to explore more fusion flavors or dive deeper into Italian or American cuisine? Use RecipeArtisan as your culinary compass, always ready to create delectable dishes that transcend borders!

Easy Homemade Basil Pesto Recipe

Pesto Recipe Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Instructions: How to make homemade basil pesto

  1. Toast the Nuts (optional):
    • In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts (or walnuts) for a few minutes until they become fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let them cool.
  2. Blend Ingredients:
    • In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, toasted nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and peeled garlic cloves. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
  3. Stream in Olive Oil:
    • While the food processor is running, gradually stream in the extra-virgin olive oil. Continue processing until the mixture reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
  4. Seasoning:
    • Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste. Pulse a few times to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
  5. Optional: Add Pecorino Romano:
    • For an extra layer of flavor, you can add 1/4 cup of grated Pecorino Romano cheese to the food processor. Pulse until well combined.
  6. Adjust Consistency:
    • If the pesto is too thick, you can add a bit more olive oil and pulse until you achieve the desired consistency.
  7. Serve or Store:
    • Your homemade basil pesto is ready! Use it immediately in your favorite dishes or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Pesto can also be frozen for longer storage.

This easy pesto recipe yields approximately 1/2 cup of prepared basil pesto. Adjust the ingredients according to your taste preferences. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful pesto to go with this baked meatballs and pasta recipe.

 

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