Twisted Pasta with Juicy Meatballs, Zucchini & Basil Tomato Sauce 🍝🍅🌿
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 3–4
Calories per serving: ~520 kcal
🛒 Ingredients:
For the meatballs:
300g ground beef or mixed meat 🥩
1 small onion, finely chopped 🧅
1 garlic clove, minced 🧄
2 tbsp breadcrumbs
1 egg 🥚
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
Salt & pepper to taste
Olive oil for frying 🫒
For the sauce and pasta:
250g fusilli or rotini pasta 🍝
1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons 🥒
200g cherry tomatoes 🍅
400ml tomato passata or sauce 🍅
1 tsp dried oregano or Italian herbs
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish 🌿
👩🍳 Instructions:
Mix ground meat with onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Shape into small meatballs and fry in a pan with olive oil until browned and cooked through. Set aside. In the same pan, add zucchini and cherry tomatoes, cook for 3–4 minutes. Add tomato passata, herbs, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, cook pasta until al dente. Add meatballs to the sauce, combine with the pasta, and toss gently. Serve hot with fresh basil on top!
💡 Tips:
Add grated Par mesan or chili flakes for extra flavor.
Works great with turkey or vegetarian meatballs too.
Leftovers are perfect for meal prep the next day!