Print

One Pot Meatball Pasta: Easy 30-Minute Dinner w/ Crusty Bread

one pot meatball pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A hearty, one-pot meal where pasta cooks directly in a rich tomato sauce with meatballs, creating a creamy texture without heavy cream. It’s a quick, comforting weeknight dinner that requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) uncooked short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
  • 1 to 1.5 pounds (450–680 grams) raw or frozen meatballs (beef, pork, turkey, or plant-based)
  • 1 can (28 ounces / 800 grams) crushed tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1–2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large 6-quart Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
  5. Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pot.
  6. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Add uncooked pasta to the pot, ensuring noodles are submerged in the liquid. Stir well.
  8. Let pasta cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  9. Gently add meatballs to the pot, nestling them into the sauce and pasta.
  10. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until pasta is al dente and meatballs are cooked through.
  11. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
  12. Remove from heat and let sit for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
  13. Stir in half of the fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  14. Serve immediately, topped with remaining fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Stir the pasta frequently to prevent sticking as the starch releases. Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue to absorb liquid off the heat. For a lighter option, use turkey or chicken meatballs. To freeze, slightly undercook the pasta before storing to prevent it from becoming mushy upon thawing.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot meal, meatball pasta, easy dinner, weeknight dinner, comfort food, Italian pasta, quick recipes, family friendly

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/one-pot-meatball-pasta-easy-30-minute-dinner-w-crusty-bread/