Pork Meatball Pasta

Name: Pork Meatball Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4.5 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground pork; 0.25 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 egg (large); 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 2 clove garlic (minced and thinly sliced); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped); 0.5 teaspoon salt (divided); 0.25 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces); 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano; 8 ounce spaghetti; 1 package Caesar salad kit (8 ounces, pre-packaged); 1 tablespoon butter; 2 slice crusty bread (toasted)

Quick-cooking savory pork meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, served over al dente spaghetti for a classic, hearty Italian meal.

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 15 min
Total: 30 min
Servings: 4.5
Cuisine: Italian
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $3.83/serving

Dietary

Nut-Free
Soy-Free
High-Protein

Ingredients

1 pound ground pork
0.25 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 egg (large)
0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
2 clove garlic (minced and thinly sliced)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
0.5 teaspoon salt (divided)
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
8 ounce spaghetti
1 package Caesar salad kit (8 ounces, pre-packaged)
1 tablespoon butter
2 slice crusty bread (toasted)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for the spaghetti.
In a medium bowl, combine ground pork, panko breadcrumbs, large egg, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Form into small meatballs (about 1 1/2 inches each).
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Add crushed tomatoes and dried oregano to the skillet with the meatballs. Stir, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through. Season with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.
While meatballs simmer, cook the spaghetti in the boiling water according to package directions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain well.
Meanwhile, prepare the Caesar salad kit following package instructions. For garlic bread, melt butter in a small pan, add sliced garlic, and brush onto toasted crusty bread.
Serve spaghetti topped with meatballs and sauce, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, and a side of Caesar salad and garlic bread.

Notes

If you prefer, use ground beef or turkey instead of pork for the meatballs. Leftovers reheat well.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 610
Protein: 37.8 g
Carbohydrates: 58.2 g
Fat: 27.5 g
Fiber: 7.1 g
Sodium: 780 mg
Saturated Fat: 9.2 g
Sugar: 7.8 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg