Best Easy Spaghetti alla Chitarra con Pallottine Recipe

Square-cut Abruzzese pasta served with tiny meatballs in tomato sauce is pure family-style mediterranean dining. Packed with protein, this hearty dish is both satisfying and perfect for freezer meal prep.

Cook 60 min Difficulty NORMAL 615 kcal
#mediterranean #high protein
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • spaghetti alla chitarra (or regular spaghetti) 1 lb
  • ground beef (80/20) 12 oz
  • ground pork 4 oz
  • egg 1 piece
  • fresh breadcrumbs 0.5 cup
  • whole milk 0.25 cup
  • Parmesan cheese, grated 0.5 cup
  • onion, small, finely chopped 1 piece
  • garlic clove, minced 2 cloves
  • canned crushed tomatoes 28 oz
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 3 tbsp
  • salt 2 tsp
  • black pepper 1 tsp
  • fresh parsley, chopped 2 tbsp
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 72 g 47%
Protein 28 g 18%
Fat 22 g 35%
Serving size 350g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, fresh breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Parmesan, 1 tbsp parsley, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Mix until just incorporated—avoid overmixing for tender meatballs.

  2. 2

    Roll the mixture into tiny meatballs, about ¾-inch diameter. Place on a tray; chill in the refrigerator 20 minutes to help them hold their shape.

  3. 3

    Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, 5-6 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds longer, stirring to avoid burning.

  4. 4

    Add crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer. Gently add chilled meatballs into the sauce; simmer uncovered on low heat for 25 minutes, occasionally spooning sauce over meatballs. Do not stir to prevent breaking.

  5. 5

    Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.

  6. 6

    Toss drained spaghetti alla chitarra with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and a ladle of tomato sauce. Nestle meatballs on top of the pasta, garnish with remaining parsley and extra Parmesan. Add reserved pasta water to loosen as needed. Serve hot.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The core of Spaghetti alla Chitarra con Pallottine is fresh pasta (spaghetti alla chitarra) and tender mini meatballs made from a blend of beef and pork. These central components deliver the authentic texture and flavor of this classic Abruzzese comfort dish.
Q. How do I keep the tiny meatballs tender and juicy?
For meatballs that stay moist, don't overwork the mixture—mix until just combined. The addition of milk-soaked breadcrumbs ensures a light texture, and chilling the formed pallottine helps them hold together during gentle simmering in sauce, preventing overcooking or crumbling.
Q. What's a critical cooking technique for this dish?
Simmer the meatballs gently in the tomato sauce without stirring, using low heat for about 25 minutes. This preserves their shape and allows the flavors to meld without risking the pallottine falling apart.
Q. How many calories and how much protein are in each serving?
Each generous 350g serving contains approximately 615 kcal, with 28 grams of protein—making this a hearty, protein-packed Mediterranean meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Q. Is this recipe suitable for a Mediterranean diet?
Absolutely. With olive oil, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a lean meat blend, this dish fits naturally into Mediterranean-style meals while supporting balanced protein, carbohydrate, and fat intake.
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