05/07/2026
Simple & Delicious Meatball Pesto Pasta
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef or ground turkey (a great, tasty swap to keep it completely pork-free)
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound (16 oz) of your favorite pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti all work great)
1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth (a perfect alcohol-free flavor booster to keep things moist)
Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook it following the directions on the package until it’s nice and tender. Right before you drain it, carefully scoop out about half a cup of the pasta water and save it in a cup. Drain the rest of the pasta and set it aside.
Form the Meatballs: While the pasta is boiling, grab a mixing bowl. Put in the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until it's just combined—don't overmix, or the meatballs might get tough! Roll the mixture into small, 1-inch meatballs.
Brown the Meatballs: Put a large skillet on the stove over medium heat and warm up the olive oil. Carefully place your meatballs in the pan. Let them cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning them every so often so they get a nice brown crust on all sides and are cooked all the way through the center.
Deglaze the Pan: Turn the heat down to low. Pour the chicken or vegetable broth right into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to gently scrape up any tasty, browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—this adds incredible flavor without needing any wine!
Bring It All Together: Add the cooked pasta and the pesto sauce straight into the skillet with the meatballs.
Toss and Serve: Gently toss everything together until the pasta and meat are beautifully coated in the green pesto. If the sauce looks a little too thick or dry, pour in a splash of that saved pasta water and stir until the sauce is smooth and glossy. Serve it up warm with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your meal!