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If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate, the Sausage Meatball Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe brings together juicy, herb-infused sausage meatballs, sweet and slightly caramelized roasted tomatoes, and a lush, creamy tomato sauce all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s a fantastic way to elevate an everyday pasta dinner while keeping the preparation straightforward and rewarding. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe shines with flavors that will have you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Sausage Meatball Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients, each adding a vital layer of flavor, texture, and color. From the fresh basil’s fragrant herbaceousness to the rich cream that creates a velvety sauce, every component plays a starring role.
- Little tomatoes: Sweet and bursting with juiciness, perfect for roasting to develop natural caramelization.
- Uncooked spaghetti: The ideal pasta shape to hold the creamy sauce and meatballs together in every bite.
- Olive oil (divided): Adds a fruity richness and is essential for roasting and sautéing.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the roasted tomatoes with a subtle, savory warmth.
- Salt & pepper: Fundamental seasonings that elevate every ingredient.
- Italian sausages or sausage meat: The star protein, packed with herbs and spices for bold flavor.
- Breadcrumbs (Italian flavor): Helps bind the meatballs and introduces a mild herbaceous note.
- Egg: Acts as a natural binder for the meatballs.
- Parmesan cheese (grated + more for serving): Adds a delightful umami kick and cheesy creaminess.
- Garlic (minced, divided): Fresh garlic gives the sauce and meatballs a punch of savory goodness.
- Shallot: Offers a gentle, sweet onion flavor that builds a wonderful base for the sauce.
- Tomato sauce: Provides a rich and tangy backdrop for the creamy pasta sauce.
- Whipping/heavy cream: Gives the sauce its signature luscious, silky texture.
- Italian seasoning: Brings a blend of dried herbs that tie all the flavors together harmoniously.
- Fresh basil leaves: Adds brightness and a fresh herbal note just before serving.
How to Make Sausage Meatball Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep for Roasting
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and move the rack to the top third, ensuring perfect heat circulation for roasting. Cover a baking sheet with foil to make cleanup a breeze after the delicious mess you’re about to create.
Step 2: Season and Roast the Tomatoes
Place the little tomatoes in a baking dish and drizzle them with a tablespoon of olive oil. Toss them to coat evenly, then sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roasting these tomatoes will concentrate their sweetness and add a beautiful caramelized depth to the dish.
Step 3: Mix and Form the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the sausage meat (removed from casings), Italian-flavored breadcrumbs, egg, grated parmesan, salt, pepper, and four cloves of minced garlic. Once mixed, gently shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. Line them neatly on the foil-lined baking sheet. These meatballs promise juicy bites packed with savory flavor.
Step 4: Roast the Meatballs and Tomatoes Together
Place both the tray of meatballs and the dish of tomatoes into the oven. Let them bake side by side for about 30 minutes. This concurrent roasting saves time and allows the meatballs to brown beautifully while the tomatoes blister and soften.
Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti
While your meatballs and tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the spaghetti. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, which means it should still have a slight chew to perfectly complement the saucy mix.
Step 6: Sauté Shallots for the Sauce Base
Meanwhile, finely chop the shallot and add a tablespoon of olive oil to a skillet over medium heat. Cook the shallots gently for about five minutes until they become soft and fragrant, laying the perfect base for your sauce.
Step 7: Create the Creamy Tomato Sauce
To the skillet with shallots, add tomato sauce, heavy cream, the remaining three cloves of minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and torn fresh basil leaves. Simmer gently to marry all those flavors into a rich, luxurious sauce that will coat the pasta beautifully.
Step 8: Combine Meatballs, Tomatoes, and Pasta
Once the meatballs and roasted tomatoes come out of the oven, add them straight into the sauce pan, including any lovely juices and olive oil from the roasted tomatoes. Drain your spaghetti and toss it into the pan. Carefully mix everything so each strand of pasta gets coated with that creamy, tomatoey goodness and the meatballs nestle perfectly throughout.
Step 9: Serve with Extra Parmesan
Serve your masterpiece immediately, sprinkling extra grated parmesan on top if you want to dial the cheesy factor up a notch. This final touch adds a nutty, salty burst that rounds out every mouthful.
How to Serve Sausage Meatball Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a simple but brilliant garnish, offering a pop of green and a fresh herbal aroma that cuts through the richness of the sauce. A sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish that always delights the palate.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a warm, crusty bread perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the hearty flavors perfectly, balancing the meal with a touch of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style serving, present the pasta in a large rustic bowl with the meatballs artfully arranged on top and a scattering of roasted tomatoes. Alternatively, individual servings in deep pasta bowls adorned with a basil leaf and parmesan flake look gorgeous for a dinner party setting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sausage Meatball Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s best to keep the pasta and meatballs together with the sauce to preserve their moisture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this pasta freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the integrity of the meatballs and sauce.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Stir frequently to ensure even warming without drying out the pasta or meatballs.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made meatballs instead of sausage meatballs?
Absolutely! Store-bought meatballs can save time, but homemade sausage meatballs bring a fresher, more personalized flavor that’s truly worth the effort in this recipe.
What type of sausage works best for this recipe?
Italian sausage, whether sweet or spicy depending on your preference, is ideal because of its robust herb and garlic seasoning. You can use pork, chicken, or turkey sausages as well, adjusting seasonings if needed.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! While spaghetti is great here, feel free to try penne, rigatoni, or even tagliatelle for a slightly different texture and to hold more sauce and morsels of meat.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
To make it vegetarian, swap the sausage for plant-based meat alternatives or use hearty mushroom or lentil-based meatballs. The roasted tomatoes and creamy sauce remain delicious and comforting.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce, use a spicy Italian sausage, or incorporate fresh chopped chili peppers while sautéing the shallots to give this dish a delightful kick.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Sausage Meatball Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes Recipe is like discovering a new favorite dinner that feels both indulgent and approachable. It’s a dish packed with flavor, texture, and heartwarming comfort that’s perfect any night of the week. So grab your apron, gather these ingredients, and enjoy the satisfying process of making this delicious meal from scratch – you’ll love every bite.
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Sausage Meatball Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This delicious Sausage Meatball Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes is a comforting one-pan Italian-inspired meal combining flavorful homemade sausage meatballs, sweet roasted little tomatoes, and a creamy tomato sauce. The dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a delightful mix of savory meat, tender pasta, and aromatic herbs all baked and cooked to perfection.
Ingredients
Roasted Tomatoes
- 10.5 ounces little tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Meatballs
- 1 (17.6 ounce) package Italian sausages or sausage meat, removed from casings
- 1/2 cup Italian-flavored breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated (+ more for serving)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (7.2 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup whipping/heavy cream
- 2 dashes Italian seasoning
- 10 leaves fresh basil, torn into small pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the top third of the oven. Line a baking sheet with foil to make cleanup easier.
- Roast the Little Tomatoes: Place the little tomatoes in a baking dish and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss them gently to coat and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Make the Sausage Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine the sausage meat (removed from casings), breadcrumbs, egg, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic (4 cloves), salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine, then form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Meatballs and Tomatoes: Place both the roasting tomatoes and meatballs in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and tomatoes are softened and slightly caramelized.
- Cook the Spaghetti: When the meatballs and tomatoes have been baking for 10 to 15 minutes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce: To the skillet, add tomato sauce, heavy cream, minced garlic (3 cloves), Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and torn basil leaves. Stir to combine and let simmer gently.
- Combine Meatballs, Tomatoes, and Sauce: Once baked, add the roasted tomatoes along with their juices and the meatballs directly to the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
- Toss Pasta and Serve: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to combine with the sauce, meatballs, and tomatoes. Serve immediately, topped with additional grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
- Use Italian sausage with your preferred spice level, sweet or spicy, to tailor the dish to your taste.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Gluten-free pasta and crumbs can be used to make this dish gluten-free.
