Description
A simple, comforting one-pan pasta recipe featuring juicy meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce with fresh basil and garlic, all cooked together with spaghetti for an easy, flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 225g dried spaghetti
- 400ml water
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 frequently until they are browned on all sides.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and garlic to the pan with the meatballs. Continue frying for another 8 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Add sauce ingredients and bring to boil: Stir in the ketchup, chopped tomatoes, chopped basil, and 400ml of water. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the pasta: Add the dried spaghetti directly into the pan, submerging it in the sauce. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Finish and serve: Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened and reduced, season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with whole basil leaves before serving for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Notes
- You can substitute spaghetti with any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine if preferred.
- If you want a vegetarian option, replace meatballs with plant-based alternatives or sautéed mushrooms.
- Adjust the seasoning at the end to taste, adding salt and pepper as needed.
- For a spicier variation, add chili flakes when cooking the onion and garlic.
- Leftovers reheat well and the pasta may absorb more sauce, so add a splash of water when reheating if too thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: one-pan pasta, easy pasta recipe, meatball pasta, tomato pasta, quick dinner, Italian pasta dish
