Gemelli With Broccolini And Italian Style Meatballs Recipes

GEMELLI WITH BROCCOLINI AND ITALIAN STYLE MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Spread the meatballs onto a baking sheet that has been prepared with cooking spray.
• Bring 3 quarts of water in a large sauce pot to a boil, blanch the broccolini for 3 - 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon or spider, set aside.
• Meanwhile, coat a large non-stick skillet with the cooking spray and cook the chicken bacon until nicely browned on both sides. Remove and chop. Use this skillet for the final preparation.
• Simultaneously, cook the gemelli pasta in the same boiling water as the broccolini. Cook according to package instructions.
• Place the meatballs in the pre-heated oven, bake 10 - 12 minutes.
• Add the olive oil to skillet and sauté the blanched broccolini for 2 minutes. Add the garlic, stir well and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, chili pepper flakes, chopped chicken bacon, salt, pepper, and roman beans. Stir ingredients to incorporate.
• Drain the gemelli, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Add the gemelli to the skillet immediately, toss ingredients to become well incorporated. Add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta liquid.
• When meatballs are thoroughly heated, add to the skillet toss and serve immediately. Optional: Top with a tsp grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.

CLASSIC ITALIAN MEATBALLS

Steps:

• In a large bowl mix together the ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt and pepper. Slowly add the milk until you have a soft compact mixture.Form the mixture into small balls.
• In a large pan add the olive oil, garlic, tomato puree/passata, salt, fresh basil, oregano and water. Mix to combine.
• Add the meatballs and gently mix to cover them in sauce. Cover the pan and cook on low/medium (more low than medium) heat for approximately 15- 20 minutes, uncover and continue to cook for another 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and the sauce has thickened. If you find the sauce thickening too much then add a little more water.
• Serve immediately as a main dish or over your favourite al dente pasta. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy!