Creamy Pesto Meatballs with Fettuccine and Bell Peppers
This delectable recipe combines the richness of creamy pesto with savory meatballs and tender fettuccine for a quick and satisfying meal. Loaded with vibrant bell peppers and onions, this dish offers a colorful presentation and a burst of flavors that will delight the entire family. Whether you're pressed for time or simply seeking a delicious comfort food, this one-dish meal comes together in a matter of minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it's an ideal choice for those who enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals with minimal cleanup. Customizable with fresh vegetables or homemade meatballs, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen cooked meatballs
1 lb (Can substitute with homemade easy meatballs)
Fettuccine pasta
12 ounces (Cooked according to package instructions and drained)
Frozen bell peppers and onion stir fry mix
16 ounces (Cooked in a skillet until tender)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (Used for sautéing vegetables)
Refrigerated pesto sauce
12 ounces (To be mixed into the dish)
Half-and-half
1 cup (To be mixed into the dish for creaminess)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven and bake the frozen meatballs according to the package instructions or prepare a batch of easy meatballs and set aside once cooked.
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add fettuccine pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the frozen bell pepper and onion stir fry mix. Cook for about 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
4
Once the vegetables are ready, add the baked meatballs to the skillet, followed by the cooked and drained fettuccine.
5
Pour in the refrigerated pesto sauce and half-and-half, stirring everything together until well combined.
6
Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly until the dish is heated through and creamy.
7
Serve hot, garnished with additional pesto or grated parmesan cheese if desired.
8
Enjoy your flavorful and hearty meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in the Creamy Pesto Meatballs with Fettuccine dish?
The main ingredients include 1 lb of frozen cooked meatballs, 12 ounces of fettuccine pasta, a 16-ounce bag of frozen bell pepper and onion stir fry mix, olive oil, 12 ounces of refrigerated pesto sauce, and 1 cup of half-and-half.
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?
Yes, the recipe specifically mentions that you can substitute the frozen cooked meatballs with a batch of easy homemade meatballs.
How much fettuccine pasta is needed for this recipe?
You will need 12 ounces of fettuccine pasta, cooked according to the package instructions.
How long should I cook the frozen bell pepper and onion mix?
The frozen bell pepper and onion stir fry mix should be cooked in a large skillet with olive oil for about 7-9 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
What type of pesto sauce is recommended?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of refrigerated pesto sauce to be mixed into the dish.
How do I make the sauce creamy for this recipe?
The creaminess is achieved by adding one cup of half-and-half and the refrigerated pesto sauce to the skillet with the other ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and a weeknight dinner, designed to come together in a matter of minutes.
What kind of oil should be used to sauté the vegetables?
The recipe recommends using one tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing the frozen bell pepper and onion mix.
Should the pasta be cooked before adding it to the skillet?
Yes, the fettuccine should be cooked in salted boiling water until al dente and drained before being added to the skillet.
What is the first step in preparing the meatballs?
The first step is to preheat the oven and bake the frozen meatballs according to the package instructions, or prepare homemade meatballs.
Can I garnish this dish with anything?
Yes, you can garnish the served dish with additional pesto or grated parmesan cheese if desired.
What makes this a one-dish meal?
It is considered a one-dish meal because the meatballs, pasta, and vegetables are all combined and heated together in a single large skillet.
How many people does this recipe serve?
While the specific serving count is not listed, it uses 1 lb of meatballs and 12 ounces of pasta, making it a hearty family meal.
Is there any sugar or sodium information available?
The provided nutrition facts for calories, fat, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, sugar, sodium, and cholesterol are currently not specified in the raw data.
Can I use fresh bell peppers instead of frozen?
Yes, the recipe description notes that the dish is customizable with fresh vegetables.
What is the total number of ingredients required?
There are 6 total ingredients required for this recipe.
Does the recipe include onions?
Yes, onions are included as part of the 16-ounce frozen bell pepper and onion stir fry mix.
How long should the final mixture be cooked in the skillet?
The combined mixture should be cooked over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly until the dish is heated through and creamy.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a delicious comfort food that is flavorful and hearty.
Can I substitute the fettuccine with another pasta?
While the recipe specifies fettuccine, you could likely use other pasta shapes as a substitute depending on your preference.
Is the pesto sauce added at the beginning or the end?
The pesto sauce is added toward the end, after the vegetables are cooked and the meatballs and pasta have been added to the skillet.
What heat level should I use for sautéing the vegetables?
The vegetables should be sautéed over medium heat.
Can I use heavy cream instead of half-and-half?
The recipe calls for half-and-half, but heavy cream could likely be used for an even richer sauce.
How do I ensure the pasta is cooked correctly?
Cook the fettuccine in salted water according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture.
What is the preparation for the pesto sauce?
The 12 ounces of refrigerated pesto sauce is ready to be mixed directly into the dish without prior preparation.
Does this recipe require a lot of cleanup?
No, it is described as having minimal cleanup since it is a one-dish meal.
What is the weight of the frozen bell pepper mix?
The recipe requires a 16-ounce package of frozen bell pepper and onion stir fry mix.
Should the meatballs be cooked before they go into the skillet?
Yes, the meatballs should be either baked from frozen or cooked as a fresh batch before being added to the skillet.
Is this a good meal for casual gatherings?
Yes, the description states it is an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
What is the final texture of the sauce?
The final texture of the sauce should be creamy and well-combined with the pasta and meatballs.