Spaghetti con Polpette

Spaghetti con Polpette, or Spaghetti with Meatballs, is a classic Italian dish that’s beloved for its comforting flavors and hearty appeal. In this recipe, tender meatballs are simmered in a rich tomato sauce, infused with aromatic basil, and served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. The meatballs are made with a flavorful blend of minced meat, cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs, creating a delightful texture and taste.

This dish is not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. Let’s dive into the kitchen and create a bowl of warm, comforting goodness with Spaghetti con Polpette!

How to make Spaghetti con Polpette

Ingredients:

FOR THE MEATBALLS

200 g minced meat

1 egg

2 tbsp grated cheese

2 tbsp bread crumbs

parsley to taste

fine salt to taste

FOR THE PASTA AND SAUCE

350 g spaghetti

500 g tomato puree

basil

olive oil

fine salt

Instructions:

We put the minced meat, egg, salt, parsley and grated cheese in a bowl and mix with a fork (or if we prefer with our hands).

We also incorporate the breadcrumbs and mix again until we have a homogeneous and workable mixture.

Heat a little oil and a pinch of salt in a non-stick pan, and in the meantime form the meatballs with your hands and then arrange them in the pan without overlapping them. The size of our meatballs is about a cherry, but we can make them even bigger if we prefer. Cook the meatballs for about 5 minutes, stirring often (the cooking time depends on the size of the meatballs).

Add the tomato puree and season with a pinch of salt and a few basil leaves, then cook for about 10 minutes over medium heat.

In the meantime, boil the spaghetti in plenty of salted water

Drain them al dente and dip them in the pan with the sauce and meatballs. Mix until all the pasta is perfectly seasoned.

We serve our spaghetti with meatballs hot and creamy!

Notes:

Meatball Preparation: When mixing the meatball ingredients, ensure everything is evenly combined for consistent flavor and texture. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.

Meatball Size: The size of the meatballs can vary depending on personal preference. Smaller meatballs will cook faster, while larger ones may require a bit more time. Keep in mind that uniformity in size ensures even cooking.

Cooking Meatballs: When cooking the meatballs, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure they brown evenly. Stirring often prevents them from sticking and promotes uniform cooking. Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the meatballs and desired level of doneness.

Sauce Preparation: Simmer the tomato puree with basil leaves and a pinch of salt to infuse the sauce with flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before adding the spaghetti.

Pasta Cooking: Cook the spaghetti in well-salted water until al dente, following the package instructions. This ensures the pasta is perfectly cooked and ready to absorb the flavors of the sauce and meatballs.

Combining Pasta and Sauce: Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and add it directly to the pan with the sauce and meatballs. This allows the pasta to soak up the flavors of the sauce, creating a cohesive and delicious dish.

Finishing Touch: Before serving, mix the pasta thoroughly with the sauce and meatballs to ensure each strand is coated evenly. Garnish with additional grated cheese and fresh basil for a finishing touch of flavor and freshness.

Serving: Serve the spaghetti with meatballs immediately while hot and creamy, ensuring maximum enjoyment of this classic Italian comfort food.

Variations: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding additional ingredients such as garlic, onions, or your favorite herbs and spices to the sauce for added depth of flavor. Similarly, you can use different types of meat or meat substitutes for the meatballs to suit your dietary preferences.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many meatballs does this recipe make?

This recipe makes approximately 20 small-sized meatballs, but you can adjust the size based on your preference.

Can I use ground beef for the meatballs?

Yes, you can use any minced meat of your choice, such as beef, pork, or a combination.

Adjust cooking times based on the meat’s fat content.

Is there a substitute for fresh basil in the sauce?

If fresh basil is unavailable, you can use dried basil.

Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil instead of fresh leaves.

Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook.

This can save time when you’re ready to make the dish.

How do I know when the spaghetti is “al dente”?

Pasta is “al dente” when it is cooked to be firm when bitten.

Follow the package instructions but taste a strand a minute or two before the suggested time to ensure the desired texture.

Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?

Yes, you can use ground beef, pork, or a mixture of meats according to your preference.

Adjust cooking times based on the chosen meat.

How can I make larger or smaller meatballs?

Adjust the size of the meatballs by shaping them to your desired size.

Larger meatballs may require a slightly longer cooking time.

Can I substitute fresh basil with dried basil in the sauce?

Absolutely, you can use dried basil if fresh basil is unavailable. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil instead of fresh leaves.

Is it necessary to use a non-stick pan for cooking the meatballs?

While a non-stick pan is convenient, you can use a regular pan with a little more oil.

Ensure to stir often to prevent sticking.

How do I know when the spaghetti is cooked “al dente”?

Pasta is “al dente” when it’s cooked to be firm when bitten.

Taste a strand a minute or two before the suggested time on the package to achieve the desired texture.