One-Pot Mini Meatball Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (For the mini meatballs.)
• 3 garlic (Cloves, finely chopped; for the mini meatballs.)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (For the mini meatballs.)
• 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning (For the mini meatballs.)
• 0.5 tsp salt (For the mini meatballs.)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper (For the mini meatballs.)
• 0.5 tsp onion powder (For the mini meatballs.)
• 0.5 tsp paprika (For the mini meatballs.)
• oil (A little oil, for browning the meatballs.)
• 0.75 box ditalini pasta (The source does not specify the box size; quantity interpreted as three-quarters of one box. For the pasta.)
• 1.5 cup chicken stock (For the pasta.)
• 1 cup heavy cream (For the pasta.)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (Stirred in after the pasta cooks.)
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder (For the pasta.)
• 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning (For the pasta.)
• 0.5 tsp salt and pepper (The source lists this as “½ tsp salt & pepper” for the pasta; the split between salt and pepper is not specified.)
• freshly grated Parmesan (A generous handful, or to taste, for finishing.)

Steps

1. 1

   Combine the ground beef, finely chopped garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Mix until evenly combined, then roll the mixture into mini meatballs.

2. 2

   Heat a little oil in a large pot and brown the mini meatballs. Once browned, remove them from the pot and set them aside.

3. 3

   Add the ditalini pasta, chicken stock, heavy cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and the listed salt and pepper to the same pot.

4. 4

   Cover the pot and cook until the pasta is tender.

5. 5

   Uncover the pot and stir in the marinara sauce.

6. 6

   Return the browned meatballs to the pot and toss everything together.

7. 7

   Finish with a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan and serve warm.

Notes

The source does not specify the ditalini box size, cooking temperature, or exact cooking time; cook covered until the pasta is tender. The amount of oil and Parmesan is left to the cook's discretion.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• one-pot
• pasta
• meatballs
• weeknight dinner
• family-friendly
• Italian-inspired
• comfort food