Description
This easy one-pan pasta recipe combines juicy browned meatballs with a rich tomato and basil sauce, all cooked together with spaghetti in a single pan for a comforting and flavorful meal with 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 for garnish
Pasta
- 225g dried spaghetti
Instructions
- Brown the 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 regularly until they are browned on all sides.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and garlic to the pan with the meatballs. Fry together for an additional 8 minutes until the onion has softened and the mixture is fragrant.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the ketchup, chopped tomatoes, finely chopped basil, and 400ml water. Bring the mixture to a boil to start forming the sauce.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the dried spaghetti to the boiling sauce. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the pasta cooks evenly within the sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with whole basil leaves before serving for a fresh, aromatic touch.
Notes
- Use a wide, deep frying pan or casserole dish to accommodate all ingredients and allow even cooking.
- Adjust the water quantity slightly if the sauce reduces too quickly before the pasta is fully cooked.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meatballs with plant-based alternatives.
- Stir occasionally while cooking pasta to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: one pan pasta, meatballs, Italian pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, basil tomato sauce
