Name: Marinara Meatball Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 32 oz Great Value® Homestyle Meatballs; kosher salt; 1 lb Sam's Choice® Italia Tagliatelle Egg Pasta; 3 cups marinara sauce; ½ cup Mozzarella cheese

Marinara meatball pasta is a classic Italian dish that combines the rich flavors of marinara sauce with the savory taste of meatballs. Served over a bed of tender tagliatelle pasta and topped with melted mozzarella, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a hearty pasta meal.

Photos of Marinara Meatball Pasta

The main ingredients for this recipe are homestyle meatballs and tagliatelle egg pasta. Homestyle meatballs can be found in the frozen section of most grocery stores. They are usually pre-cooked, making them a convenient option. Tagliatelle is a type of egg pasta that originates from the Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions of Italy. It's similar to fettuccine and is typically served with meat or bolognese sauce. If tagliatelle is not available, you can substitute it with fettuccine or other similar pasta.

Ingredients for Marinara Meatball Pasta

Homestyle meatballs: Homestyle meatballs are precooked, frozen meatballs that are easy to use and add a rich, meaty flavor to this pasta dish.

Kosher salt: Kosher salt is a coarse-grained salt that's great for seasoning pasta water. It dissolves quickly and evenly, ensuring that your pasta is well-seasoned.

Tagliatelle egg pasta: This type of pasta is long, flat, and ribbon-like. It's perfect for holding onto the marinara sauce and meatballs in this recipe.

Marinara sauce: Marinara sauce is a simple tomato-based sauce that's flavored with garlic and herbs. It's the base for this pasta dish and gives it a robust, tangy flavor.

Mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese is a soft, mild cheese that melts beautifully. It's the perfect topping for this pasta dish, adding a creamy, gooey element.

One reader, Keir Mosby says:

This marinara meatball pasta is a game-changer! The meatballs are juicy, and the marinara sauce is rich and flavorful. The combination with the tagliatelle pasta is simply divine. It's a quick and delicious meal that the whole family loves. Highly recommended!

Keir Mosby

Techniques Required for Making Marinara Meatball Pasta

How to bake meatballs: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with foil. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

How to cook tagliatelle pasta: Bring 4 quarts (4 liters) of salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add the tagliatelle and return the water to a boil. Cook uncovered for about 9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. Remove from the heat and strain.

How to simmer marinara sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring the marinara sauce to a simmer.

How To Make Marinara Meatball Pasta

Rich marinara sauce complements the juicy meatballs used in this meatball pasta recipe. The dish is served with a generous topping of mozzarella cheese.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 40 minutes

Total: 55 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

32ozGreat Value® Homestyle Meatballs
kosher salt,to taste
1lbSam’s Choice® Italia Tagliatelle Egg Pasta
3cupsmarinara sauce
½cupmozzarella cheese,shredded

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Bring 4 quarts (4 liters) of salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add the tagliatelle and return the water to a boil. Cook uncovered for about 9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. Remove from the heat and strain.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring the marinara sauce to a simmer.
Serve the pasta with the meatballs, sauce, and mozzarella.
Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 1211.83kcal
Fat: 61.33g
Saturated Fat: 23.92g
Trans Fat: 2.76g
Monounsaturated Fat: 24.52g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.95g
Carbohydrates: 96.53g
Fiber: 7.31g
Sugar: 13.35g
Protein: 64.81g
Cholesterol: 289.15mg
Sodium: 1327.10mg
Calcium: 320.82mg
Potassium: 1545.04mg
Iron: 10.56mg
Vitamin A: 157.68µg
Vitamin C: 3.96mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting This Pasta Dish

When preparing your marinara meatball pasta, it's important to not overcook the tagliatelle. Pasta should be cooked to al dente, which means it's still firm when bitten. This not only enhances the texture of the dish, but also helps the pasta to better absorb the marinara sauce. Additionally, when baking the meatballs, try turning them halfway through the cooking time. This will ensure they are evenly cooked and browned on all sides. Lastly, adding the mozzarella cheese at the end allows it to melt slightly without becoming overly gooey or stringy.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Dish

Prep ahead: Prepare the meatballs and marinara sauce in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. This will save time on the day of cooking.

Use pre-made sauce: Opt for store-bought marinara sauce instead of making it from scratch to cut down on preparation time.

Multitask: While the meatballs are baking, cook the pasta and warm the marinara sauce simultaneously to expedite the cooking process.

Invest in quality ingredients: Quality pre-made meatballs and pasta can save time without compromising the flavor of the dish.

Organize your workspace: Before starting, ensure all ingredients and cooking tools are readily accessible to streamline the cooking process.

Opt for frozen meatballs: Using pre-cooked frozen meatballs can significantly reduce the preparation time for this recipe.

Utilize kitchen gadgets: Use kitchen tools like a food processor for chopping ingredients or a pasta maker for homemade pasta to save time and effort.

Substitute Ingredients For Marinara Meatball Pasta

great value® homestyle meatballs - Substitute with homemade meatballs: Homemade meatballs can be customized to your taste and texture preferences, and you can control the quality and type of meat used.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a similar level of salinity and can enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
sam's choice® italia tagliatelle egg pasta - Substitute with fresh tagliatelle pasta: Fresh pasta has a delicate texture and cooks quickly, providing a delicious alternative to dried pasta.
marinara sauce - Substitute with homemade tomato sauce: Making your own tomato sauce allows you to adjust the flavors and seasonings to your preference, and it can result in a fresher, more vibrant taste.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese has a similar meltability and mild flavor, making it a suitable alternative for topping the pasta dish.

Best Way to Present Marinara Meatball Pasta

Elevate the plating: When presenting the marinara meatball pasta, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a wide-rimmed, shallow bowl to showcase the pasta and meatballs. Consider using a garnish of fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to add a pop of color and texture to the dish.
Emphasize precision in plating: Pay attention to the arrangement of the meatballs and pasta on the plate. Aim for a balanced composition, ensuring that each element is thoughtfully placed to create a visually stunning presentation. Use a small offset spatula to carefully position the meatballs and twirl the pasta into neat, attractive bundles.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Drizzle the marinara sauce over the plated pasta and meatballs with finesse. Consider using a squeeze bottle or a small ladle to create elegant, artistic patterns with the sauce, adding a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Highlight the ingredients: Showcase the quality of the ingredients by arranging the meatballs and pasta in a way that allows them to shine. Consider layering the meatballs on top of the pasta, allowing the rich colors and textures of the dish to take center stage.
Create a refined ambiance: Consider the overall ambiance when presenting the dish. Ensure that the table setting and surroundings complement the elegance of the marinara meatball pasta, creating a sophisticated dining experience for the esteemed culinary professionals.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Dish

Baking sheet: A flat, metal sheet used for baking and roasting foods in the oven. It provides a flat surface for even cooking and prevents drips from spilling onto the oven.
Foil: A thin, pliable sheet of metal, typically aluminum, used to line baking sheets and wrap foods for cooking or storage. It helps to prevent food from sticking and aids in even cooking.
Large pot: A deep cooking vessel with a wide opening and tall sides, used for boiling, simmering, and cooking large quantities of food such as pasta or soups.
Medium saucepan: A mid-sized cooking pot with a long handle and a lid, used for heating and simmering sauces, soups, and other liquids.
Food thermometer: A tool used to measure the internal temperature of foods, ensuring they are cooked to a safe temperature and preventing overcooking or undercooking.
Mixing bowl: A deep, round bowl used for combining ingredients, mixing batters, and tossing salads. It is an essential tool for preparing and serving a wide variety of dishes.
Serving platter: A large, flat dish used for serving and presenting food. It is often used for showcasing main courses, appetizers, or desserts at gatherings and events.
Strainer: A perforated bowl-shaped kitchen tool used for draining liquids from foods, such as pasta or vegetables, or for sifting dry ingredients like flour or powdered sugar.

Storing and Freezing Marinara Meatball Pasta

To store leftover marinara meatball pasta, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to freeze the pasta for later consumption, it's best to store the meatballs, sauce, and pasta separately:
- Place the cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Label and date the container, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Pour the cooled marinara sauce into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Label, date, and freeze for up to 4-6 months.
- Cook the pasta until it's slightly underdone (about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions). Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss the pasta with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label, date, and freeze for up to 1-2 months.
To reheat frozen marinara meatball pasta:
- Thaw the meatballs and sauce in the refrigerator overnight.
- Place the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan and reheat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- For the pasta, you can either thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or reheat it directly from frozen. To reheat, place the frozen pasta in a colander and run hot water over it until it's thawed and heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave the pasta in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through.
- Once all components are heated, serve the pasta with the meatballs, sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh mozzarella cheese, if desired.

How to Reheat Leftover Marinara Meatball Pasta

Stovetop method: place the leftover marinara meatball pasta in a saucepan over medium-low heat. add a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. stir gently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. if the sauce seems too thick, add more liquid as needed.
Microwave method: transfer the leftover marinara meatball pasta to a microwave-safe dish. add a splash of water or broth to help maintain moisture. cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the pasta is heated through, about 1-2 minutes total.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°f (175°c). transfer the leftover marinara meatball pasta to an oven-safe dish. add a splash of water or broth to help maintain moisture. cover the dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through. remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly and the meatballs to crisp up.
Slow cooker method: if you have a large amount of leftover marinara meatball pasta, you can reheat it in a slow cooker. transfer the pasta to the slow cooker and add a splash of water or broth to help maintain moisture. cover and cook on low heat for 1-2 hours, or until the pasta is heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to taste the reheated marinara meatball pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. you may want to add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, grated parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil to brighten up the flavors before serving.

Interesting Trivia About Marinara Meatball Pasta

The meatball marinara pasta is a classic Italian dish that is loved for its rich and savory flavors. It is a popular comfort food that is enjoyed by people of all ages. The combination of tender meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese creates a delicious and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. It's a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether served as a main course or as a side dish, this marinara meatball pasta is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Is Making Marinara Meatball Pasta at Home Cost-Effective?

This marinara meatball pasta recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as meatballs, pasta, and marinara sauce, are affordable and readily available. The dish provides a satisfying and hearty meal for a family of four at an approximate cost of $15. With its simple preparation and delicious flavors, this recipe earns a solid 9/10 rating.

Is This Pasta Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?

The marinara meatball pasta recipe, while delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:

Meatballs are typically high in saturated fat and calories, especially if made with fatty cuts of meat like beef or pork.
The marinara sauce, depending on the brand or recipe, could be high in added sugars and sodium.
Cheese, although a good source of calcium, can also contribute to the overall fat and calorie content of the dish.
White pasta, like tagliatelle, is made from refined flour, which has been stripped of its fiber and nutrients.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Opt for lean ground turkey or chicken to make the meatballs, reducing the saturated fat content.
Choose a low-sodium, low-sugar marinara sauce, or make your own using fresh tomatoes, herbs, and spices.
Use a smaller amount of cheese or select a low-fat variety to minimize the calorie and fat content.
Swap the white pasta for a whole-grain alternative, such as whole-wheat tagliatelle or zucchini noodles, to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the dish.
Incorporate more vegetables into the recipe, such as sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or onions, to boost the overall nutritional value and add more flavor and texture to the pasta.

By making these simple modifications, you can transform this marinara meatball pasta into a more balanced and nutritious meal without compromising on taste.

Editor's Opinion on This Delicious Pasta Recipe

The recipe for marinara meatball pasta is a classic and comforting dish that is sure to please. The combination of tender meatballs, flavorful marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked tagliatelle pasta creates a delicious and satisfying meal. The baking of the meatballs adds a depth of flavor, while the addition of mozzarella cheese brings a delightful creaminess to the dish. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful choice for a hearty and flavorful dinner that will surely become a family favorite.

Enhance Your Marinara Meatball Pasta with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Bread: Savor the aroma of freshly baked garlic bread, with a crispy golden crust and a soft, buttery center.

Caesar Salad: Indulge in a classic Caesar salad, with crisp romaine lettuce, savory Parmesan cheese, and homemade croutons tossed in a creamy dressing.

Roasted Vegetables: Delight in a colorful medley of roasted vegetables, including sweet bell peppers, tender zucchini, and earthy mushrooms, seasoned to perfection.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love This Dish

Creamy Chicken Alfredo: This creamy and indulgent pasta dish is perfect for a cozy night in. The tender chicken and rich alfredo sauce will leave you feeling satisfied and content.

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl: This healthy and colorful quinoa bowl is packed with roasted vegetables and flavorful seasonings. It's a great option for a nutritious and filling meal.

Berry Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream: Indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of a berry cobbler topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. This classic dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Marinara Meatball Pasta

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these delectable bites filled with a savory mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The earthy flavor of the mushrooms pairs perfectly with the rich filling, creating a mouthwatering appetizer that will leave everyone wanting more.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: These golden-brown fritters are the perfect way to start any meal. The crispy exterior gives way to a tender, flavorful interior, making them a delightful appetizer for any occasion. Serve them with a side of tangy dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in a decadent, rich chocolate lava cake that oozes with warm, gooey chocolate from the center. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Create a luscious and creamy strawberry cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust. Top it with fresh, juicy strawberries and a drizzle of strawberry sauce for a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.

Why trust this Marinara Meatball Pasta:

This recipe guarantees a delicious meal with homestyle meatballs and Italia tagliatelle egg pasta. The meatballs are baked to perfection, ensuring a juicy and flavorful bite. The marinara sauce is simmered to enhance its rich flavors, and the addition of mozzarella cheese adds a delightful creaminess. Trust this recipe for a satisfying and comforting meal that brings together the best of Italian cuisine.

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FAQ:

How long should I bake the meatballs for?

You should bake the meatballs for about 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Feel free to experiment with different shapes and sizes to find your favorite combination.

How much salt should I add to the boiling water for the pasta?

I recommend adding about a tablespoon of kosher salt to the boiling water before adding the pasta. This will help season the pasta as it cooks.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! You can use any cheese of your choice. Parmesan, cheddar, or provolone would all work well with this dish.

Can I make the marinara sauce from scratch?

Yes, you can definitely make the marinara sauce from scratch if you prefer. It's a great way to customize the flavor to your liking and add a personal touch to the dish.