Description
A delicious and easy one-pan pasta recipe featuring juicy meatballs simmered in a rich tomato and basil sauce, served with perfectly cooked spaghetti all in one pot for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs and Sauce
- 1 tbsp rapeseed oil
- 12 meatballs (300g)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
- 1 large bunch of basil, finely chopped, plus a few whole leaves
Pasta
- 225g dried spaghetti
- 400ml water
Instructions
- Heat the oil and brown meatballs: Heat the rapeseed oil in a deep, wide frying pan or casserole dish over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 5 minutes, turning them frequently to brown all sides evenly.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and garlic to the pan with the browned meatballs. Fry for about 8 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Add sauce ingredients and bring to boil: Stir in the ketchup, chopped tomatoes, chopped basil, and 400ml water. Bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Cook the pasta: Add the dried spaghetti directly into the pan, making sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce and water. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking. The pasta should be tender and the sauce should reduce to a thick consistency.
- Season and garnish to serve: Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the dish with fresh whole basil leaves before serving for added aroma and presentation.
Notes
- Use a wide, deep pan or casserole dish to allow the spaghetti to fit well and cook evenly.
- Stir occasionally during pasta cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution.
- You can substitute meatballs with vegetarian or vegan alternatives if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of water if your sauce is too thick or pasta is undercooked.
- This recipe is great for a quick weeknight dinner with minimal washing up.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: one-pan pasta, meatballs, spaghetti, tomato sauce, basil, easy dinner, quick meal
