Homemade pasta with tomato sauce, basil, and chicken meatballs

Homemade pasta with tomato sauce, basil, and chicken meatballs

This homemade pasta with tomato sauce, basil, and chicken meatballs is a perfect choice for a delicious and healthy dinner. Cooked with fresh ingredients like farm-fresh eggs and quality flour, this dish is not just a delight for the taste buds but also a comforting cooking experience. Each step is full of flavor and aroma, and the final result will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the pasta:
- 3 large farm-fresh eggs
- 300 g flour (ideally type 00 for pasta)
- 1 teaspoon salt

For the sauce:
- 5 cherry tomatoes (or more if you have them on hand)
- 500 ml tomato juice (preferably homemade for an authentic taste)
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 small dried chili pepper (optional, for a hint of heat)
- A handful of fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

For the meatballs:
- 500 g ground chicken breast
- 1 slice of bread (soaked in water and well squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 3-4 sprigs of fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste

For serving and garnish:
- Grated Parmesan (optional, but recommended)
- Fresh basil leaves

Step 1: Preparing the meatballs

Start by preparing the meatballs, which will add a delicious texture to this dish. In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken breast, soaked bread, breadcrumbs, garlic, green onions, parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to combine all the ingredients until you get a homogeneous mixture.

Form balls of the desired size, being careful not to make them too big so they cook evenly. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the meatballs for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through to brown evenly.

Step 2: Preparing the pasta

While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare the pasta. Weigh the flour and place it in a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the salt and eggs. Start mixing with a fork, then use your hands to knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.

If you have a pasta machine, now is the time to use it! Roll out the dough and cut it into fettuccine or tagliatelle shapes, depending on your preference. If you don’t have a machine, you can roll the dough out manually and cut it with a knife.

Once you’ve finished preparing the pasta, add it to boiling salted water and cook for 7-10 minutes. Taste to check the texture; if it’s a bit thicker, it may need a longer cooking time.

Step 3: Preparing the sauce

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic cloves, slightly crushed with the blade of a knife, and the chili pepper, if using. Sauté the garlic until it turns golden, then remove it from the skillet.

Add the halved or quartered cherry tomatoes and cook them for a few seconds until they soften. Pour the tomato juice over the tomatoes and let the sauce simmer over low heat for 5-6 minutes. After that, add the baked meatballs and continue to cook the sauce for another 2-3 minutes. Finally, sprinkle in the oregano and chopped fresh basil.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients

Remove the pasta from the water, leaving a little starch water on it. Add the pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce, mixing well to coat all the pasta with sauce. Turn off the heat and let the flavors combine for 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Serving

Divide the pasta among plates, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve alongside a glass of semi-dry wine for a complete culinary experience.

Practical tips:
- Choose fresh ingredients for the best results. Seasonal tomatoes, fresh basil, and farm-fresh eggs make a significant difference.
- If you want to enrich the sauce, you can add olives or capers for a Mediterranean flavor.
- Vary the meatballs by using ground turkey or chopped vegetables for a vegetarian option.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken meat, and the homemade pasta brings complex carbohydrates essential for energy. Basil and tomatoes are full of antioxidants, and garlic adds not only flavor but also health benefits.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use store-bought pasta?
- Sure! Store-bought pasta is a quick option, but cooking homemade pasta brings an unmatched taste.
2. How can I store the sauce for later use?
- The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days, or you can freeze it for a few months.
3. What wine pairs best with this dish?
- A semi-dry white wine or a light red, such as Chianti, are excellent choices.

This homemade pasta recipe with tomato sauce and chicken meatballs is not just a culinary experience but also an opportunity to bring family and friends together. Whether you prepare it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, it will surely be appreciated by all who are lucky enough to taste it. Happy cooking and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!