Angel Hair Pasta with Meatballs
A comforting and flavorful Italian classic, Angel Hair Pasta with Meatballs combines tender, juicy meatballs with delicate angel hair pasta, smothered in a rich marinara sauce. This easy-to-follow recipe brings the taste of Italy right into your kitchen, perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or family gatherings. A dish that’s both hearty and elegant, it’s sure to become a favorite on your menu!
Equipment
- Large Pot - For cooking pasta.
- Large Skillet - To cook meatballs and sauce.
- Baking Sheet - Optional if baking the meatballs.
- Mixing Bowls - For mixing meatball ingredients.
- Tongs or Fork - To serve pasta.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb - Ground beef
- ½ cup - Breadcrumbs
- 1 large - Egg
- ¼ cup - Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves - Garlic, minced
- ½ tsp - Salt
- ¼ tsp - Black pepper
- ½ tsp - Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups - Marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp - Olive oil
- 1 small - Onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove - Garlic, minced
- ½ tsp - Dried basil
- ¼ tsp - Red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of spice)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz - Angel hair pasta
- Water - For boiling
- Salt - To taste for pasta water
Garnish:
- ¼ cup - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup - Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides. (Alternatively, bake at 400°F for 15 minutes on a lined baking sheet).
- Once browned, set meatballs aside on a plate.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté onions for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic, basil, and red pepper flakes, and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, stirring to combine. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
Add Meatballs to the Sauce:
- Carefully add the meatballs back into the sauce. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add angel hair pasta and cook for 4 minutes or according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Gently toss cooked pasta with the meatballs and sauce in the skillet or a large serving bowl.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
Notes
- Cooking Tips: For extra tenderness, allow meatballs to rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking.
- Substitution Options: Use ground turkey or pork in place of beef for a different flavor profile.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.