Rigatoni with Meatballs and Arrabiata Sauce
Try this Rigatoni con Polpette and Arrabiata Sauce recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Rigatoni con Polpette and Arrabiata Sauce recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 eggs
- 1 large onion chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- grated parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 lb lean ground pork
- 1 lb rigatoni
- 2 tsp dried dill
- pinch of red chili flakes
- 1 cup red wine i used merlot
- 1 19 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp hot sauce i used sriracha sauce but any hot sauce
- 10 fresh basil leaves chopped
- Carbohydrate 68.3293278532704 g
- Cholesterol 313.8767739442 mg
- Fat 59.2722832177077 g
- Fiber 2.25755625358194 g
- Protein 80.4327271868807 g
- Saturated Fat 18.8571835962241 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (533g)
- Sodium 532.80847574124 mg
- Sugar 66.0717715996884 g
- Trans Fat 6.0000291864362 g
- Calories 1148 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 375 F degrees. Place parchment paper over a baking sheet or spray it with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl mix all the ingredients for the meatballs together well. Form the meatballs into small 1 inch balls.
- Place meatballs on prepared baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes or until done.
- In a Dutch oven or a large pot heat the olive oil. Add the onion and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes or until onion is soft and starts to brown a bit, make sure you don't burn it though.
- Stir in the dried oregano and red chili flakes. Add the wine and cook for another 5 minutes until the alcohol burns off a bit.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, hot sauce, basil leaves and season with salt and pepper. Turn the heat down to medium-low and let this simmer for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes you can start cooking the rigatoni according to package instructions. If you like your pasta al dente cook it for 2 minutes less than indicated on the package.
- Add the meatballs to the sauce and simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Pour the sauce and meatballs over the rigatoni, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese and basil over and serve.
A Busy Mom's Delicious Weeknight Escape: Rigatoni with Meatballs and Arrabiata Sauce
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between early morning school runs, demanding deadlines at the office, and the never-ending cycle of laundry and grocery shopping, finding time for anything beyond survival mode feels like a luxury. But even amidst the chaos, I cling to simple pleasures – and one of those is a hearty, delicious dinner that brings the family together. This Rigatoni with Meatballs and Arrabiata Sauce recipe is my go-to for those nights when I need a comforting, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. While it might sound fancy, the ingredients are readily available, and the process is surprisingly straightforward. I often prep the meatballs ahead of time – a lifesaver on busy weeknights – and store them in the freezer until ready to use. This allows me to throw a delicious and satisfying dinner together in under an hour, even after a long day at work. The vibrant, spicy arrabiata sauce adds a delicious kick, perfectly complementing the rich, savory meatballs and the perfectly cooked rigatoni.
Why this recipe works for busy weeknights:
- Prep-ahead friendly: Meatballs can be made in advance and frozen.
- One-pot wonder (mostly): Minimizes cleanup!
- Quick cooking time: Dinner's ready in under an hour.
- Family-pleasing flavors: Everyone loves meatballs and pasta!
- Customizable: Adjust spice level and ingredients to your preference.
Beyond its practicality, this dish offers a moment of serenity in the midst of my busy life. The aroma of simmering sauce and baking meatballs fills the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that instantly relaxes me. As I watch my children enjoy this comforting meal, the stress of the day melts away, replaced by a sense of contentment and familial connection. It's a reminder that even amidst the whirlwind, there's always time for a little bit of joy, a little bit of delicious food, and a whole lot of love.
Tips and variations:
- Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Add veggies: Incorporate chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini into the sauce.
- Different meat: Use turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork.
- Cheese please: Top with your favorite cheese, not just Parmesan.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute lentils or vegetables for the meat.
This Rigatoni with Meatballs and Arrabiata Sauce recipe isn't just a meal; it's a ritual, a small act of self-care woven into the fabric of my busy life. It's a reminder that even on the most hectic days, a delicious, home-cooked meal can nourish not only the body but the soul as well. So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed, remember this recipe. It's a simple escape, a delicious comfort, and a perfect way to end a busy day.
Remember to adjust seasoning to your liking! Enjoy!
