We all love Italian meatballs, piping hot and served over pasta – to be twirled up on a fork with all that sweet tomato sauce. Make like the Romans and go heavy on the Parmesan! However, when the family needs a change, here's three other easy serving ideas.
Sub sandwich
This is a favourite dinner in our homes – because, although we all love pasta, sometimes a change is as good as a holiday! This one's easy as slicing a bread roll (ciabatta is the most authentic) and quicker than cooking pasta. Great for a summer supper too, when you don’t want a bowl of hot pasta. Or for dinner on the run.
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Heat up your Italian meatballs in the microwave, following the instructions on the pack. Next, spoon the meatballs onto the bottom ciabatta layer, grate plenty of parmesan over the top and maybe add some fresh basil leaves or rocket before closing up that sub, ready to enjoy.
Over gnocchi
For something a little different, and very substantial, try your Italian meatballs and sauce over gnocchi. If you fancy it, make your own potato gnocchi (it’s surprisingly easy and very satisfying), or use one of the packet types... either potato gnocchi or pumpkin (there are loads of great veggie flavours now).
We love the new gnocchi varieties that can be pan-fried, then just toss the meatballs and sauce into the pan with the golden gnocchi. Add some basil leaves, or stir in fresh baby spinach (always good to have another serving of veg). Grate plenty of parmesan or mozzarella over the top before serving.
Pasta bake
Who doesn’t love a pasta bake? This is a great way to make your meatballs go even further for a family dinner, and delight any small people around the table! Especially if there are crispy, crunchy cheesy bits to chip off the dish later!
Pop your pasta in a pan of boiling water and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. (Tube-style pastas such as penne are best for this sort of saucy bake, then the sauce can seep right into the pasta – very satisfying!). Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 200C. While the pasta cooks, heat up your Italian meatballs in the microwave, following the instructions on the pack.
Drain the pasta and tip into an ovenproof casserole dish, then spoon in the meatballs and sauce and stir together gently to coat the pasta. We recommend adding bocconcini to this dish, scattered over the pasta. If you want, you could grate mozzarella or parmesan over the top too. Can there ever be too much cheese??
Bake in the oven for around 15 minutes until golden on top; longer if you like a crunchier top. Serve alongside a big green salad.
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