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Creamy Tomato & Onion Pasta (Pink Sauce) with Meatballs Recipe

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3.9 from 42 reviews

This Creamy Tomato & Onion Pasta with Meatballs features a luscious pink sauce made from sautéed onions, garlic, tomato sauce, and half-and-half, finished with Parmesan cheese for rich flavor. Paired with baked meatballs and served over your favorite spiral pasta, it makes for a comforting and satisfying weeknight meal.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 12 oz meatballs (freshly homemade or store-bought frozen)
  • ⅓ cup tomato or pasta sauce (you can use a little of the 28 oz can from the main pasta sauce)

Creamy Tomato and Onion Sauce & Pasta

  • 3 tbsp salted butter
  • 1 ½ medium onions, finely diced
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 28 oz tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, plus 2 tbsp for topping

For Serving

  • 16 oz pasta (fusilloni, rotini, or your favorite spiral)
  • Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Cook Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place meatballs in a baking dish with ⅓ cup of tomato or pasta sauce. Bake according to package directions or for about 30 minutes if homemade, until fully cooked. Remove from the oven and cover with foil to keep warm.
  2. Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water in case it is needed to loosen the sauce.
  3. Cook Onions: In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and softened.
  4. Season: Add minced garlic, olive oil, salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper to the onions. Cook, stirring regularly, for 2 minutes or until fragrant.
  5. Add Tomato Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the tomato sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes to combine the flavors.
  6. Add Half-and-Half: Stir in the half-and-half and cook for 3–5 minutes until the sauce deepens in color and thickens slightly. You may raise the heat to speed up this process.
  7. Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Then turn off the heat to avoid overcooking.
  8. Finish and Serve: Toss the cooked pasta directly into the sauce to coat thoroughly. Plate the pasta and place the cooked meatballs on top. Garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

  • Reserve a bit of pasta water when draining to loosen the sauce if needed.
  • You can use fresh or store-bought meatballs depending on convenience.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if desired.
  • For a richer sauce, substitute half-and-half with heavy cream.
  • This dish is best served immediately but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/creamy-tomato-and-onion-pasta-pink-sauce-with-meatballs-recipe/