There’s something magical about the combination of perfectly cooked meatballs and a rich, savory tomato sauce—especially when it’s paired with penne pasta. This recipe brings together these simple yet comforting ingredients into a hearty dish that’s nothing short of irresistible. Trust me, this is one of those meals that makes you want to curl up with a big bowl and enjoy every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that works for everything from a cozy weeknight dinner to a fun get-together with friends. Let’s dive in!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love Penne Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Imagine the savory aroma filling your kitchen as the meatballs cook to perfection in that rich tomato sauce. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for this one:
Versatile: Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or serving it at a dinner party, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends.
Budget-Friendly: You won’t need to break the bank to make this! It uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, proving that simple can be extraordinary.
Quick and Easy: Even if you’re not a kitchen pro, this recipe is super approachable. With easy-to-follow steps, you can get a delicious, comforting dish on the table in no time.
Customizable: Want to kick up the flavor? Add some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or throw in extra garlic if you’re a fan of bold flavors. You can make this dish your own!
Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe is a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or foodies, this dish always satisfies.
Ingredients
Let’s talk about the ingredients that bring this dish to life:
Meatballs: Ground beef or a mixture of beef and pork for extra flavor. These little balls of goodness are tender, juicy, and flavorful.
Penne Pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold the sauce and complement the meatballs.
Tomato Sauce: The heart and soul of this dish. Choose a high-quality sauce or use crushed tomatoes for a fresher flavor.
Garlic: Adds a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the tomato sauce.
Onion: For a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle on top is the finishing touch that elevates the entire dish.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make this magic happen? Let’s go!
Preheat Your Pan: Start by preheating your pan to medium heat. This helps sear the meatballs and lock in the juices.
Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine your ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to form meatballs. Don’t overmix, or they might become tough.
Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in the pan and brown the meatballs on all sides. Once they’re golden and crispy, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, sauté garlic and onions until they’re soft and fragrant. Then, add your tomato sauce and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer and thicken.
Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Return the meatballs to the pan and let them simmer in the sauce for 15-20 minutes, until they’re cooked through and absorb all that tomato goodness.
Cook the Penne: While the meatballs are simmering, cook your penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, but save a little pasta water just in case you need to thin the sauce.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta with the tomato sauce and meatballs. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to make the sauce cling to the pasta.
Finishing Touches: Serve the penne and meatballs hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with basil for a pop of color and flavor!
How to Serve Penne Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
This dish is versatile, and it pairs well with a variety of sides:
Fresh Salads: A crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the rich flavors of this dish.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, garlic-infused bread to sop up every bit of that tomato sauce.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted veggies like zucchini or asparagus make for a colorful and nutritious side.
As a Standalone: This dish is hearty enough to stand alone. Just add a sprinkle of fresh basil for a burst of freshness.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make this dish even better:
Prep Ahead: Chop and measure your ingredients in advance to save time. Store them in airtight containers to keep them fresh.
Spice It Up: Add some chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to give the sauce an extra kick.
Dietary Adjustments: Want to make it gluten-free? Swap the breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. You can also use dairy-free cheese if you need to keep it dairy-free.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to [time duration]. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Double the Batch: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping or freezing. Make a double batch, and freeze some for a later date!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute beef for turkey?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey works great in this recipe. It’ll be a bit leaner but still super flavorful.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, it’s perfect for making ahead. Prepare everything, and then store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! It freezes beautifully. Just let it cool down, store in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! This recipe is easy to scale up if you’re feeding a crowd.
Q7: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A7: Yes! Feel free to swap penne for spaghetti, rigatoni, or even ziti.
Q8: Can I make this vegetarian?
A8: Absolutely! You can substitute the meatballs with plant-based ones, and the dish will still be delicious.
Q9: What if I don’t have fresh basil?
A9: No worries! You can use dried basil or even a pinch of Italian seasoning as a substitute.
Q10: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A10: Yes! Just brown the meatballs, then combine everything in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Conclusion
There you have it—a simple, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group, these Penne Meatballs in Tomato Sauce are sure to hit the spot. Enjoy every savory bite, and feel free to make it your own!
Print
Penne Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and comforting dish featuring tender meatballs, penne pasta, and a rich creamy tomato sauce. This classic recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mixture of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb penne pasta
- Salt for pasta water
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the onion until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, heavy cream, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Combine and Serve:
- Add the browned meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and meatballs. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for a richer flavor.
- Mix in sautéed vegetables, such as mushrooms or spinach, for extra nutrition.
- Top with extra Parmesan or mozzarella cheese for added indulgence.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 90mg