Pin It A hearty one-pan Italian dish featuring tender meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce with pasta and melted cheese. It's perfect for a comforting family dinner and brings rustic Italian flavors right to your table.
I first made this Italian meatball pasta skillet on a chilly Sunday when we craved comfort food but didn’t want to do a mountain of dishes. The result was an all-in-one hearty meal that everyone absolutely loved.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 400 g (14 oz) for juicy, flavorful meatballs
- Breadcrumbs: 50 g (1/2 cup) for tender texture
- Egg: 1 large, to bind the meatballs
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp, adds umami to the meatballs and topping
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced, for depth of flavor
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped (or 1 tbsp dried) for freshness
- Salt: 1/2 tsp, for seasoning the meatballs
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp, for mild heat
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp, to brown meatballs and sauté veggies
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped, sweetens the sauce
- Bell pepper: 1 diced (red or yellow) for color and sweetness
- Canned crushed tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz), forms the sauce base
- Tomato passata or purée: 250 ml (1 cup), enriches the sauce
- Dried Italian herbs: 1 tsp, for herbal flavor
- Sugar: 1/2 tsp, balances acidity
- Salt and pepper: to taste, for adjustable seasoning
- Short pasta: 250 g (9 oz) penne, rigatoni, or fusilli
- Water or low-sodium chicken broth: 500 ml (2 cups), to cook the pasta
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 120 g (1 cup), for a melty topping
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp, for a finishing touch
- Fresh basil leaves: for garnish and herbal freshness
Instructions
- Make the meatballs:
- In a large bowl combine ground beef breadcrumbs egg Parmesan garlic parsley salt and pepper. Mix until just combined and shape into 16 to 18 small meatballs (about 1 tablespoon each).
- Brown the meatballs:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides for 5 to 6 minutes. Remove meatballs and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables:
- Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3 minutes until softened.
- Make the sauce:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes tomato passata Italian herbs sugar salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add pasta and return meatballs:
- Add the pasta and water or broth. Stir well then return the meatballs to the skillet nestling them into the sauce.
- Simmer:
- Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 15 to 18 minutes stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and meatballs are cooked through. Add a splash more water if needed.
- Add the cheese:
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the skillet. Cover and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot straight from the skillet.
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We love sharing this skillet around the table watching the cheese stretch as everyone helps themselves. It turns any weeknight into a special family occasion.
Variation Ideas
Feel free to swap bell peppers for zucchini or mushrooms or use spicy Italian sausage for a bolder flavor. If you want it gluten-free simply choose gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread. This pasta skillet is also delicious with a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and extra Parmesan on top.
Storing & Reheating
Let leftovers cool before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave adding a splash of water if needed.
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With simple steps and big flavor this Italian meatball pasta skillet will become a weeknight favorite. Gather your family and enjoy every bite together.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta varieties like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best as they hold the sauce well and cook evenly in the skillet.
- → Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?
Yes, ground pork, turkey, or plant-based mince can be used to suit dietary preferences without compromising flavor.
- → How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
Mix ingredients gently and shape meatballs firmly. Browning them before simmering helps keep them intact.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to adapt this dish for gluten-free diets.
- → What is the purpose of adding sugar to the tomato sauce?
Sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, enhancing the overall sweetness and depth of flavor.
- → Can I cook this dish ahead of time?
It can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator; reheat gently to maintain texture and flavor.