Tagliatelle with meatball and mushroom sauce

Tagliatelle with Meatball and Mushroom Sauce

This tagliatelle recipe with meatball and mushroom sauce is a perfect choice for a delicious, quick, and comforting meal. The combination of pasta with juicy meatballs and aromatic tomato and mushroom sauce transforms this dish into an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you want to impress your family or treat yourself after a long day, this recipe will surely win you over.

Recipe History

Meatballs have a long history, with roots in many cultures around the world. Over time, each region has brought its own variations, adapting ingredients and seasonings. The combination of meatballs with pasta is a popular idea that brings together diverse textures and flavors, making this dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients (for 2 servings)

- 500 g ground pork
- 1 egg
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2 slices of bread (preferably whole grain or rye)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- Pasta (enough for 2 servings, preferably tagliatelle)
- 1 can of tomatoes (400 g)
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- 1 chili pepper (optional, depending on how spicy you want)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 100 g mushrooms (I used champignon, but you can experiment)
- A handful of flour
- Salt, pepper, curry, thyme (to taste)

Preparation Time

- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 2

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Meatballs

1. Prepare the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork with the egg, finely chopped onion, crushed garlic cloves, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. These ingredients will add flavor and moisture to your meatballs.

2. Soak the bread: Cut the two slices of bread into small cubes and soak them in water for a few minutes. Once soaked, squeeze them well to remove excess water.

3. Add the bread to the mixture: Put the soaked bread into the meat mixture and mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition. This will help keep the meatballs juicy.

4. Form the meatballs: With wet hands, form small meatballs the size of a walnut. Then, coat them in flour to achieve a crispy crust when frying.

5. Fry the meatballs: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and fry them on all sides until golden. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan for even frying. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Step 2: Preparing the Pasta

6. Boil the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt and pasta, according to package instructions. Usually, tagliatelle takes about 8-10 minutes to cook al dente. Once ready, drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.

Step 3: Preparing the Sauce

7. Prepare the sauce: In a blender, add the can of tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, garlic clove, and chili pepper (if using). Blend until you achieve a smooth sauce.

8. Cook the sauce: In a pot, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. When the oil is hot, pour in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.

9. Add the mushrooms: Slice the mushrooms thinly and add them to the tomato sauce. Cook everything together for 5 minutes until the mushrooms are cooked.

10. Incorporate the meatballs: Add the fried meatballs to the tomato sauce and gently stir to coat them evenly.

Step 4: Serving

11. Assemble the dish: On each plate, place a serving of pasta, then generously add the meatball and mushroom sauce on top. If desired, you can garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor.

12. Serving suggestions: This dish pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine or fresh lemonade. You can also sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

Helpful Tips

- Ingredient variations: You can use ground beef or chicken instead of pork for the meatballs, and for an even richer sauce, add some black olives or capers.
- Baked meatballs: A healthier option is to bake the meatballs. Preheat the oven to 200°C, place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20 minutes.
- Nutritional benefits: This recipe contains protein from the meat, antioxidants from tomatoes and mushrooms, and fiber from pasta and greens. It’s a balanced meal that will energize you.

Frequently Asked Questions

- What type of pasta can I use? Tagliatelle is ideal, but you can also use other types of pasta, such as spaghetti or penne.
- Can I use canned mushrooms? Yes, canned mushrooms are a convenient option, but fresh mushrooms provide a better texture and taste.
- How can I make the sauce spicier? Add more chili or even a bit of hot sauce to the tomato sauce.

Whether you choose to cook this recipe for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, tagliatelle with meatball and mushroom sauce is definitely a dish that will bring smiles to everyone's faces. So put on your apron and let's cook!