Vegetarian Pasta with Meatballs

Instructions

1. Prepare Vegetarian Meatballs

   5 min hands-on

   • Break vegetarian fillets into small portions, roughly walnut-sized.
   • Roll each portion into a ball.
   • Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
   • Set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta

   2 min hands-on10 min waiting

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook whole wheat pasta until al dente.
   • Reserve half of the pasta cooking water.
   • Drain the pasta.

3. Sauté the Garlic

   2 min hands-on

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Mince and add garlic to the skillet.
   • Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Cook the Meatballs

   7 min hands-on

   • Add vegetarian meatballs to the skillet with garlic.
   • Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until lightly browned.
   • Remove meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

5. Prepare the Sauce

   1 min hands-on5 min waiting

   • Reduce heat to low in the same skillet.
   • Pour in tomato sauce.
   • Stir in balsamic vinegar and lemon juice.
   • Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   • Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   1 min hands-on

   • Add drained pasta to the skillet with sauce.
   • Toss well to coat evenly.

7. Add Fresh Herbs and Final Touches

   2 min hands-on2 min waiting

   • Chop and add fresh basil to the skillet.
   • Stir gently to incorporate.
   • Return meatballs to the skillet, placing them on top of pasta.
   • Cover and warm through for 2-3 minutes.

8. Serve

   2 min hands-on

   • Divide pasta among serving plates.
   • Top each portion with meatballs.
   • Garnish with additional basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
   • Cooking tips:
   • Avoid overcooking the vegetarian meatballs to ensure they remain moist and flavorful.
   • Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, as it helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
   • For extra flavor, zest some lemon peel before juicing and sprinkle over the finished dish.