Savory Italian Sausage Meatballs with Cavatelli
Immerse in the rich and savory flavors of Italy with this mouth-watering Italian Sausage and Feta Cheese Meatballs accompanied by tender Cavatelli pasta. The blend of aromatic spices and Ragú® sauce creates an irresistible dish that combines traditional Italian authenticity with a modern twist. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive dinner party entrée.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
hot Italian sausage
1 lb
dry Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 cup
feta cheese
1/4 cup (crumbled)
egg
1 (beaten)
water
3 tablespoons
dried parsley
1 tablespoon
dried minced onion
1 tablespoon
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (for coating)
frozen cavatelli pasta
16 ounce package
butter
1 tablespoon
meat creations Ragú® Pasta Sauce
24 ounce jar
Italian spices
1 teaspoon
fennel seed
1/2 teaspoon
dried basil
1 teaspoon
honey
1 tablespoon
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary dish described in this recipe?
The dish is Savory Italian Sausage Meatballs with Cavatelli pasta.
What type of sausage is used for the meatballs?
The recipe calls for one pound of hot Italian sausage.
Is there cheese included in the meatball mixture?
Yes, 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese is mixed into the meatballs.
What specific pasta is recommended for this recipe?
A 16-ounce package of frozen cavatelli pasta is used.
Which brand of pasta sauce does the recipe suggest?
The recipe uses a 24-ounce jar of Ragú® Pasta Sauce, specifically the Meat Creations variety.
What ingredients are used to bind the meatballs?
The meatballs are bound using one beaten egg, water, and Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
Is the dish spicy?
Yes, it contains hot Italian sausage and is tagged as spicy.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are a total of 15 ingredients listed in this recipe.
Are there any sweeteners in the sauce or meatballs?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 tablespoon of honey.
What herbs are used to season the dish?
The recipe uses dried parsley, dried basil, and general Italian spices.
Is fresh or dried onion used?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of dried minced onion.
What is used to coat the meatballs before cooking?
An additional 1/4 cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs is used for coating.
Does the recipe contain fennel?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of fennel seed for extra Italian flavor.
Is butter used in the preparation?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of butter is included in the ingredient list.
How much water is added to the meatball mixture?
3 tablespoons of water are added to the meatball mix.
Is this dish suitable for a formal dinner?
Yes, it is described as an impressive dinner party entrée as well as a cozy family dinner.
What is the preparation required for the feta cheese?
The feta cheese should be crumbled before being added.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized as Italian cuisine, specifically a pasta and meatball dish.
Are the breadcrumbs plain or seasoned?
The recipe specifically calls for Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
What is the texture of the pasta?
The cavatelli pasta is described as tender.
Is the egg added whole or beaten?
The egg should be beaten before being added to the mixture.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The flavors are described as rich, savory, and aromatic with a modern twist.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, 'comfort food' is one of the primary tags for this recipe.
How much dried parsley is used?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of dried parsley.
What is the amount of Italian spices needed?
1 teaspoon of Italian spices is used in the recipe.
Does the recipe use dried or fresh basil?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
What is the size of the Ragú sauce jar?
The recipe uses a standard 24-ounce jar.
Can I use hot sausage for this recipe?
Yes, hot Italian sausage is the specific protein recommended for this dish.
How much breadcrumb goes into the meatball mixture itself?
1/2 cup of breadcrumbs is mixed directly into the meatball ingredients.
What is the preparation for the frozen cavatelli?
While the specific instructions are not detailed in the text, it involves preparing the 16-ounce package of frozen pasta.