Pasta with sausage meatballs

Pasta with Sausage Meatballs

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Introduction

Today, I will share with you a delicious and comforting recipe for pasta with sausage meatballs, a perfect choice for a family dinner or a meal with friends. This recipe is not only simple but also full of flavors and textures that will delight your senses. The basic ingredients, such as fresh sausages, onion, garlic, and fresh basil, combine harmoniously to create a rich sauce, perfect for enveloping the pasta.

In many cultures, meatballs represent a culinary tradition, prepared with various ingredients and cooking techniques. Whether you cook them with beef, pork, or in our case, with sausages, meatballs are often associated with family meals and moments of conviviality. Here’s how you can recreate this wonderful recipe in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

- 400 g fresh sausages (homemade sausages are recommended for an authentic taste)
- 1 white onion, finely chopped
- 1 can of tomatoes (400 g), crushed or whole
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 bunch of fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or your preferred type of pasta - 300 g)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the meatballs
Remove the sausages from their casings, separating the meat into small portions. This is an essential step, as the sausages are already seasoned, so you won’t need to add extra spices. Form meatballs of your desired size – they don’t have to be perfect, but make sure they are uniform in size for even cooking.

2. Frying the meatballs
Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs and fry them on all sides until golden brown and crispy (about 8-10 minutes). Ensure not to overcrowd the skillet so they brown evenly.

3. Adding the vegetables
Once the meatballs are browned, add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3-5 minutes until they become translucent. You can also add half a bunch of chopped basil here to enhance the flavor.

4. Preparing the sauce
Add the canned tomatoes (you can use crushed or whole tomatoes, which you can break up with a spoon) to the skillet, mixing well to combine the ingredients. Season with salt, pepper, and add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste the sauce along the way and adjust the seasoning as needed.

5. Boiling the pasta
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. It is important not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the sauce.

6. Finishing the dish
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it directly to the skillet with the tomato sauce and meatballs. Mix well to coat the pasta with sauce. Finally, add the remaining chopped basil and mix again.

7. Serving
Serve the pasta warm, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. A fresh green salad and a glass of white wine would perfectly complement this meal.

Practical Tips

- Choosing sausages: Buy fresh sausages from a trusted butcher, or you can experiment with smoked sausages for a richer flavor.
- Variations: You can add vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to the sauce to enrich the dish.
- Substitutions: If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can use tofu or vegetable meatballs, prepared similarly.
- Recommended drinks: A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a pale ale would go wonderfully with this pasta.

Nutritional Information

This recipe offers an excellent source of protein from the sausages, and tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. The calories vary depending on the type of sausages and the portion of pasta, but approximately 450-500 calories per serving is a reasonable estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use vegan sausages? Absolutely! Vegan sausages or vegetable meatballs are a delicious alternative.
- How can I store leftovers? You can keep the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the oven.

I hope this recipe for pasta with sausage meatballs has inspired you to experiment in the kitchen. Cooking is an art, and every recipe has its story. Enjoy your meal!