High Protein Penne Pasta with Meatballs

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this hearty and wholesome High Protein Penne Pasta with Meatballs recipe, a satisfying meal packed with flavor and nutrition! Featuring tender, herb-infused meatballs made with lean ground beef, savory parmesan cheese, and a touch of garlic, this dish pairs perfectly with al dente whole wheat penne pasta for a fiber-rich twist. Simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce spiked with fragrant oregano and basil, each bite bursts with Italian-inspired goodness. This protein-packed pasta dish is an excellent choice for active lifestyles, providing a balanced mix of nutrients in every serving. Garnished with fresh parsley and basil, it’s as visually delightful as it is delicious. Ideal for a family dinner or meal prep, this recipe is a quick and nutritious way to satisfy your pasta cravings while staying on track with your health goals!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 g whole wheat penne pasta
• 500 g lean ground beef
• 1 large egg
• 50 g parmesan cheese, grated
• 60 g breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 400 g crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 4 leaves fresh basil, for garnish
• 4 liters water
• 1 tbsp extra salt for pasta water

Directions

Step 1

Bring 4 liters of salted water to a boil in a large pot.

Step 2

Add 300g of whole wheat penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a mixing bowl, combine 500g lean ground beef, 1 large egg, 50g grated parmesan cheese, 60g breadcrumbs, 2 minced garlic cloves, 0.5 medium onion finely chopped, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Step 4

Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, using your hands.

Step 5

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 6

Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set them aside on a plate.

Step 7

In the same skillet, add 400g crushed tomatoes, 0.5 tsp salt, and additional herbs if desired. Stir well to combine.

Step 8

Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer over low heat for 10-12 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through.

Step 9

Add the cooked penne to the skillet and gently toss until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.

Step 10

Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Step 11

Serve hot and enjoy your high-protein penne pasta with meatballs.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(5550.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2740.1

Total Fat 96.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 32.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.6g
Cholesterol 579.3mg	0%
Sodium 12585.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 289.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.5g	0%
Total Sugars 29.3g
Protein 180.2g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 1091.4mg	0%
Iron 29.7mg	0%
Potassium 2395.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.6%

Protein: 26.3%

Carbs: 42.2%