Mediterranean Summer Meatball Pasta Skillet
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of summer with this Mediterranean Summer Meatball Pasta Skillet. This one-dish wonder is perfect for those busy evenings where you crave an elegant yet quick meal. Packed with juicy frozen meatballs, al dente pasta, and an array of fresh vegetables like zucchini, grape tomatoes, and mushrooms, this skillet dish balances savory and creamy notes. The finishing touch of tangy goat cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds depth and zest. Pair it with a fresh salad, crispy crostini, and a chilled white wine to elevate your dining experience. Enjoy the simplicity of a homemade meal that comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
frozen meatballs
24 (frozen)
pasta
8 ounces (uncooked)
grape tomatoes
20 (halved)
onion
1 medium (peeled and sliced longitudinally)
mushrooms
4 ounces (sliced)
garlic
1 tablespoon (minced)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
goat cheese
2 ounces (crumbled)
tomato sauce
2 ounces (for mixing)
zucchini
2 small (sliced into rounds)
Italian herb seasoning (preferably Penzey's Tuscan Sunset)
1 teaspoon (for flavoring)
red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
2
While the water is heating, prepare the vegetables: peel and slice the onion longitudinally, halve the grape tomatoes, and slice the zucchini into 1/4 inch rounds.
3
In a large, deep sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, zucchini, mushrooms, grape tomatoes, and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté these ingredients for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and the vegetables start to soften.
4
Once the vegetables are softened, add the frozen meatballs to the pan. Cook for an additional 7 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through.
5
While the meatballs are cooking, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook it until slightly more than al dente, according to package instructions.
6
Drain the pasta and add it directly to the sauté pan with the meatballs and vegetables. Toss everything together gently to combine.
7
Crumble the goat cheese evenly over the pasta mixture, allowing it to melt slightly from the heat.
8
Stir in the tomato sauce and season with Italian herb seasoning and red pepper flakes. Mix well until everything is heated through and beautifully blended.
9
Serve hot, garnished with additional red pepper flakes if desired, and enjoy with a side salad and crostini.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Summer Meatball Pasta Skillet?
It is a vibrant, one-dish meal featuring meatballs, pasta, and fresh summer vegetables like zucchini and grape tomatoes.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is designed as a skillet dinner that simplifies the cooking process and makes cleanup easy.
What kind of meatballs are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 24 frozen meatballs, making it a quick and convenient option for busy nights.
Do I need to thaw the meatballs before cooking?
No, you can add the frozen meatballs directly to the pan after the vegetables have softened and cook for about 7 minutes.
What vegetables are included in the skillet?
The dish includes zucchini, grape tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, and minced garlic.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
Slice two small zucchinis into 1/4 inch rounds before adding them to the skillet.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of uncooked pasta, which should be cooked until slightly more than al dente.
How do I prepare the onion for this dish?
Peel one medium onion and slice it longitudinally for the best texture in the sauté.
What kind of cheese provides the creamy finish?
Two ounces of crumbled goat cheese are added at the end to provide a tangy and creamy element.
Is there a specific Italian seasoning recommended?
The recipe suggests using one teaspoon of Italian herb seasoning, preferably Penzey's Tuscan Sunset.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onions, zucchini, mushrooms, grape tomatoes, and garlic for about 5-7 minutes until they soften.
How much garlic is needed for the recipe?
You will need one tablespoon of minced garlic.
How much tomato sauce is used?
Only two ounces of tomato sauce are needed to help blend the ingredients and add flavor.
Does this recipe have a spicy kick?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for seasoning, which adds a bit of heat.
How do I cook the pasta for this recipe?
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until just past al dente.
When is the goat cheese added?
Crumble the goat cheese over the pasta mixture after combining the cooked pasta with the meatballs and vegetables.
What are some suggested side dishes?
This skillet meal pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad and crispy crostini.
What type of wine goes well with this Mediterranean dish?
A chilled white wine is recommended to elevate the dining experience.
How much olive oil is required?
Use two tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing the vegetables.
How many grape tomatoes are used?
The recipe calls for 20 grape tomatoes, which should be halved.
Can I add extra garnish?
Yes, you can garnish the finished dish with additional red pepper flakes if desired.
What is the first step in preparing the vegetables?
The first step is to peel and slice the onion, halve the tomatoes, and slice the zucchini.
How do I incorporate the pasta into the skillet?
Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the sauté pan with the meatballs and vegetables, then toss gently.
How much mushroom is needed?
The recipe requires 4 ounces of sliced mushrooms.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is described as an easy weeknight dinner that comes together in one pot.
What temperature should I use for sautéing?
Heat the olive oil over medium heat before adding the vegetables.
How do I ensure the meatballs are ready?
Cook them in the pan for approximately 7 minutes until they are heated through completely.
Why is the goat cheese stirred in at the end?
Stirring it in at the end allows it to melt slightly from the residual heat without disappearing into the sauce.
Can I use different seasonings?
While Italian herb seasoning is recommended, you can adjust the herbs to your personal preference.
What makes this a 'Summer' recipe?
The use of fresh seasonal vegetables like zucchini and grape tomatoes gives it a light, vibrant summer flavor.