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Italian Meatballs on Parmesan Noodles served in a white bowl with marinara sauce and fresh herbs.
Layla

Italian Meatballs on Parmesan Noodles

Tender beef and pork meatballs simmered in rich marinara, served over buttery egg noodles showered with nutty Parmesan.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 620

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 0.5 lb ground beef 80/20
  • 0.5 lb ground pork
  • 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp kosher salt plus more for pasta water
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for browning
For the Sauce and Noodles
  • 24 oz marinara sauce good quality jarred or homemade
  • 12 oz wide egg noodles
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 1 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano finely grated, plus more for serving
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Large pot for pasta

Method
 

Prep and Form Meatballs
  1. In a large bowl, combine panko and milk. Let sit 2 minutes until absorbed. Add beef, pork, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently mix with your hands until just combined - do not overwork or meatballs will be tough.
  2. Wet your hands and roll mixture into 16 meatballs, about 1.5 inches each. Place on a plate as you go.
Cook Meatballs and Sauce
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs in a single layer and cook 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. They will not be cooked through yet.
  2. Pour marinara around and over meatballs. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes, gently turning meatballs once, until cooked through and sauce is bubbling.
Cook Noodles and Finish
  1. While meatballs simmer, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente, usually 6-7 minutes. Reserve 0.5 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Return noodles to the pot over low heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter and half the Parmesan. Toss until butter melts and cheese coats the noodles, adding splashes of pasta water if needed for a silky texture.
  3. Divide noodles among shallow bowls. Top with meatballs and sauce. Scatter remaining Parmesan and parsley over top. Serve immediately with extra cheese at the table.

Notes

For extra tender meatballs, use a light hand when mixing and do not pack them too tightly when shaping. The pork adds moisture and richness, but you can use all beef if preferred. Make the meatballs up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate on a covered plate, or freeze uncooked for up to 3 months.