Penne Pasta With Meatballs Recipe

This Penne Pasta With Meatballs is a classic Italian-American dish that combines tender, juicy meatballs with perfectly cooked penne pasta, all tossed in a rich and savory marinara sauce. It’s a comforting and filling meal that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family or serving guests, this dish brings bold flavors and satisfying textures to the table.

Penne Pasta With Meatballs

I love making penne pasta with meatballs because it’s such a versatile and delicious meal. The meatballs are juicy and flavorful, with a mix of beef, breadcrumbs, and Italian herbs, while the marinara sauce adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the pasta perfectly. The penne holds the sauce beautifully, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor. This is one of those dishes that everyone loves, and it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and more special occasions. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a side of Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes Recipe or Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes Recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Penne Pasta With Meatballs Recipe

• Classic and Comforting: This is the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy meatballs, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce.
• Easy to Make: Despite its restaurant-quality flavor, this dish is simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good plate of pasta with meatballs, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
• Customizable: You can add your favorite herbs, spices, or even vegetables to make this dish your own.

Main Ingredients for Penne Pasta With Meatballs

1. Ground Beef – A mix of ground beef and pork (or all beef) creates juicy and flavorful meatballs.
2. Penne Pasta – The ridged shape of penne pasta holds the sauce beautifully, making each bite full of flavor.
3. Marinara Sauce – A classic tomato-based sauce that’s rich, savory, and slightly tangy.
4. Breadcrumbs – Help bind the meatballs and keep them tender.
5. Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the meatballs.
6. Italian Seasoning – A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme enhances the flavors of both the meatballs and sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Penne Pasta With Meatballs Recipe

Here’s how to make this delicious pasta and meatball dish step by step:

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are combined.
   • Tip: Be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture, as this can make the meatballs dense.
2. Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You should get about 18-20 meatballs.
   • Pro Tip: For uniform meatballs, use a cookie scoop to portion the mixture before rolling.
3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set them aside.
   • Variation: You can also bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes for a healthier option.
4. Cook the Pasta: While the meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   • Tip: Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water to help loosen the sauce later if needed.
5. Make the Marinara Sauce: In the same skillet used for the meatballs, add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce and 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
   • Pro Tip: For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of red wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
6. Add the Meatballs to the Sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the marinara sauce. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 10-12 minutes, allowing them to cook through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
   • Tip: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
7. Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the meatballs and sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the sauce and distribute the meatballs evenly.
   • Serving Idea: For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle the pasta with more grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil before serving.
8. Serve: Serve the penne pasta with meatballs hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and added flavor.
   • Serving Idea: Pair this dish with a side of garlic bread or a light salad for a complete meal.

Extra Tips and Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
• How to Store: Leftover pasta and meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra marinara sauce or pasta water.
• How to Freeze: You can freeze the meatballs separately before adding them to the sauce. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Health Benefits of Penne Pasta With Meatballs

While this dish is hearty and comforting, it also provides essential nutrients. The ground beef offers a good source of protein and iron, while the pasta provides energy-rich carbohydrates. Using whole-wheat pasta or adding extra vegetables can increase the fiber content, making the dish even more nutritious. You can also reduce the fat by using lean ground beef or ground turkey for the meatballs.

• High in Protein: Ground beef provides protein, which is essential for muscle repair and energy.
• Rich in Iron: Beef is a great source of iron, supporting healthy blood flow and oxygen transport.
• Customizable for Healthier Options: You can make this dish lighter by using whole-wheat pasta or adding more vegetables for extra fiber.