Mini Meatball Penne Recipes

MINI MEATBALL PENNE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 190C/170C Fan/Gas 5. Grease an ovenproof dish and a sheet of foil large enough to cover it. Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than instructed. Drain.
• Cook the onion in the oil until soft. Add the garlic and mushrooms. Cook until the juice runs out of the mushrooms. Increase the heat and continue to cook until most of the juices have evaporated. Add the passata and 1 1/2tsp of the oregano. Simmer, covered for 5 minutes. Set aside.
• Mix the mince with a third of the breadcrumbs, the tomato ketchup, and the rest of the oregano. Shape into 12 mini meatballs. Heat the oil in a frying pan and cook until brown on all sides.
• Add the meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the pasta.
• Turn into the ovenproof dish. Cover with the foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle on the rest of the breadcrumbs and the mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake for another 10 minutes.

PENNE WITH VODKA SAUCE AND MINI MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain.
• Meanwhile, mix the beef, 1/4 cup parmesan, the breadcrumbs, egg, 1/2 cup basil, the minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl with your hands until just combined. Form into 3/4-inch meatballs (about 20). Grate the tomatoes into a medium bowl; discard the skins.
• Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then the meatballs. Cook, turning, until browned on all sides, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the sliced garlic and cook until just golden, about 1 minute. Gradually add the vodka, then the grated tomatoes and cream. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper.
• Add the pasta and the remaining 1/4 cup basil to the skillet; toss, adding the reserved cooking water as needed to loosen. Remove from the heat and add the remaining 1/2 cup parmesan; toss.