Get the App

Recipes

Find a Recipe Blue Ribbon Recipes Pinch It!™ Feed Browse All Recipes

Editorial

Food Bites & Articles Videos What is a Blue Ribbon? Meet the Test Kitchen

Community

Member Recipes Groups Sweepstakes Contests Shopping

italian meatballs with vodka sauce and pasta

KMW2013 avatar
Recipe by
Kathy Williams
@KMW2013
Rock Hill, SC

This is my version of the ever so popular vodka sauce. Really good.

yield 6 -8
prep time 30 Min
cook time 30 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For italian meatballs with vodka sauce and pasta

  • ITALIAN MEATBALLS
  • 1 lb
    sweet italian sausage
  • 1/2 lb
    ground chicken
  • 1 c
    bread crumbs
  • 1 lg
    egg
  • 8 oz
    mascarpone cheese divided
  • 1 md
    shallot, minced
  • 2 clove
    garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp
    italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp
    cayenne pepper
  • VODKA SAUCE
  • 3 oz
    bacon (3 strips) sliced into small strips
  • 3 clove
    garlic, chopped
  • 1 sm
    onion chopped
  • 1/4 tsp
    red pepper
  • 1 Tbsp
    tomatoe paste
  • 1/3 c
    vodka
  • 1 can
    28oz of crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can
    14 oz of diced tomatoes
  • 2 Tbsp
    smoked paprika, mild
  • 1
    bay leaf
  • 1-2 tsp
    brown sugar
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 oz
    mascarpone cheese,
  • 1/2 c
    heavy cream
  • 1 lb
    bow tie,or penne, pasta

How To Make italian meatballs with vodka sauce and pasta

  • 1
    In a large bowl, add 4oz of mascarpone cheese, and the rest of the ingrediants of the Italian meatball list. Roll into the size meatball you like. Set aside.
  • 2
    In a large sauce pan add a 1 tablespoon olive oil, and on med heat saute bacon until the edges are crisp but still tender. Add onion and garlic and cook until tender. Add tomato paste and pepper flakes saute for 1 minute.
  • 3
    With med-high heat add the vodka and let steam off and deglaze the pan. Cook for 1-2 minute. Add tomatoes,bay leaf, and paprika. Reduce to med-low and let simmer for 15 minutes.
  • 4
    Add the brown sugar and slowly add the heavy cream and mascarpone cheese. Stir until melted. Simmer for additonal 10 minutes.
  • 5
    Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large cast iron skillet or pan. Brown meatballs on all sides and place them on a baking pan. Place in the oven for 8-10 minutes.Or until done.
  • 6
    Meanwhile cook the pasta. Drain.Toss meatballs with some vodka sauce. In a large bowl, combine pasta and Vodka sauce toss to coat pasta. Add meatballs and top with grated Parmesian cheese.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!

Categories & Tags for Italian Meatballs with Vodka Sauce and Pasta:

ADVERTISEMENT