An Italian grandma shared this traditional recipe with me! The tastiest dinner ever!

Instructions for Pasta alla Nonna

Follow these easy steps to recreate this delicious dish, just like my grandma taught me:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (and pork, if using), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients gently with your hands until just combined—don’t overwork the meat, or the meatballs may become tough. Once mixed, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the meatballs, turning them occasionally, until they’re browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. They don’t need to be cooked through at this point since they’ll continue cooking in the sauce.

Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion until softened and golden, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Next, add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer over low heat for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Simmer the Meatballs in the Sauce

Carefully add the browned meatballs back into the sauce, making sure they’re nestled in the liquid. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 25-30 minutes. This slow simmer allows the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce, making them even more tender and flavorful.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the meatballs are simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of pasta water.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Once the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is rich and thickened, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Gently toss the pasta in the sauce, adding a little pasta water if the sauce needs to be thinned out. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes to ensure the pasta is coated with the delicious sauce.

Serve the pasta on individual plates, topping each portion with extra meatballs, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a few fresh basil leaves for garnish.

Why This Recipe is the Tastiest Dinner Ever

1. Authentic and Flavorful: Every bite of Pasta alla Nonna is filled with layers of deep, rich flavor. The homemade meatballs are tender and juicy, while the sauce is aromatic with fresh herbs and garlic.
2. Simple Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s made with basic, fresh ingredients that are staples in any Italian kitchen, yet the result is a mouthwatering meal that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked for hours.
3. A Taste of Tradition: This dish brings generations of Italian cooking to your table. Each step, from shaping the meatballs to simmering the sauce, is steeped in tradition. It’s a recipe passed down through time, and making it connects you with your roots.
4. Comforting and Satisfying: There’s something undeniably comforting about a big plate of pasta with rich sauce and juicy meatballs. This is the kind of meal that makes you feel at home, no matter where you are.
5. Perfect for Sharing: This dish is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or any time you want to share a meal with loved ones. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, just like my grandma always did.

Tips for Perfecting Pasta alla Nonna

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality tomatoes will make a big difference in the flavor of the sauce.
• Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook, saving you time on the day you want to make the dish.
• Add Extra Veggies: You can sneak in some finely chopped carrots or bell peppers into the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: To soak up the delicious sauce, serve the dish with some freshly baked Italian bread.

Conclusion

This Pasta alla Nonna recipe is not just the tastiest dinner—it’s a connection to my family’s heritage, a dish that brings joy and comfort to everyone who sits at the table. Every time I make it, I feel like my Italian grandma is right there with me, passing down her wisdom and love through the food. It’s a reminder that cooking is not just about following a recipe; it’s about sharing love, memories, and tradition.

So, the next time you’re craving a comforting, delicious, and deeply satisfying meal, try making Pasta alla Nonna. It’s more than just food; it’s a taste of Italy, a taste of home. Buon appetito!