Culinary Romance: Meatball Pasta Inspired by Lady and the Tramp

Imagine a charming evening with soft music playing, candlelight flickering, and a plate of homemade meatball pasta waiting to be savoured. Inspired by the iconic spaghetti scene from Lady and the Tramp, where Lady and the Tramp share an innocent kiss while enjoying a delicious plate of pasta, this recipe embodies love—love for cooking, love for food, and love for the moments that make life special. Ever since I was a child, I’ve dreamt of creating that unforgettable dish from scratch. Now, as I whip up this delightful meal, I find myself grooving to the enchanting sounds of legends from the 1940s to the 1970s, like Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. Cooking is such a sensory experience, and my music shifts depending on what I’m preparing! What about you? What tunes set the mood in your kitchen? I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments!

A Personal Touch

This homemade meatball pasta recipe is extra special to me as it was shared by someone very close to my heart—my godmother. Growing up, I remember spending countless afternoons in the kitchen with her, learning the art of pasta-making and sharing stories over a bubbling pot of sauce. Cooking together not only taught me the skills of the kitchen but also the importance of love and connection that goes into every dish. Every time I prepare this meal, it brings back those cherished memories and fills my heart with warmth.

I’ll be preparing a larger portion of this dish to serve my family, but the measurements listed below are tailored for a meal for two. Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to recreate this heartwarming recipe:

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 300g minced beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup milk (to soak the breadcrumbs)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil & parsley

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 large egg

• Salt, paprika, and black pepper to taste

  
  

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes

• 100g tomato paste

• A couple of frehs basil leaves

• Salt to taste

• 1 carrot (optional)

  
  

For the Homemade Pasta:

• 200g flour (type 00 or all-purpose)

• 2 large eggs

• A pinch of salt

  
  

Instructions

• Before you begin, ensure your hands are clean, as working with dough and fresh ingredients requires a personal touch.

  
  

Prepare the Homemade Pasta:

1. Spoon your flour into the bowl. Using a spoon to fill the measuring cup with flour ensures accuracy by preventing the flour from being packed down, which can lead to dense and heavy baked goods (Chase, 2014). On a clean surface, shape the flour into a mound and create a well in the centre. Add the eggs and salt into the well.

2. Gradually mix the flour into the eggs with a fork until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth.

   

   Kneading the pasta dough

3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to rest for at least 30 minutes.

Note: If you want to increase the amount of pasta, the measurement is 100g of flour to 1 egg.

Prepare the Meatballs:

1. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the milk and let them soak for about 5 minutes. Breadcrumbs soaked in milk help keep meatballs tender and moist by adding moisture and binding the ingredients together (Martha, 2016).

2. In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, soaked breadcrumbs, parmesan, fbasil, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

   

   Ingredients ready to combine

3. Shape the mixture into small balls (about the size of a golf ball) and set aside.

   

   Rolled meatballs

Cook the Meatballs:

1. In a large skillet, add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and place the meatballs in the pan. Drizzle a little more olive oil on top of the meatballs to prevent sticking.

2. Turn on the heat to medium. Cook until the meatballs are browned on all sides.

Make the Sauce:

1. After browning the meatballs, add the crushed tomato, basil leaves, and salt to the skillet. If neede, adding a carrot to tomato sauce naturally balances its acidity, as the carrot's natural sweetness mellows the sharp tang of the tomatoes (Instagram, 2020). Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to soak up the sauce.

   

   Preparing the meatball sauce

Roll and Cut the Pasta

1. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the pasta dough to your desired thickness using a rolling pin.

2. Lightly flour both sides of the rolled-out dough to prevent sticking.

3. Gently roll the floured dough into a loose cylinder.

4. Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into thin strips to create your pasta.

   

   Cut pasta

5. Unroll the strips and sprinkle them lightly with flour to ensure they remain separate and don’t stick together.

Cook the Homemade Pasta:

1. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt, then add the homemade pasta. Cook until al dente, about 3–5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

   
   

Combine (Optional):

1. Toss the cooked homemade pasta with the meatball sauce until well coated.

   
   

Serve:

1. Rather than mixing the pasta with the sauce, I chose to serve the freshly cooked pasta on its own, delicately ladling the rich meatball sauce over the top. As a final touch of care, I sprinkled freshly grated parmesan cheese, adding a layer of indulgence to every bite. This dish is perfect to enjoy with your favourite beverage, making it a meal full of comfort and love.

   
   

   

   Buon appetito

And there you have it—a delicious homemade meatball pasta inspired by the enchanting scene from Lady and the Tramp. This recipe, shared with me by my godmother, is not just about the ingredients; it’s about the love and memories we create in the kitchen. Whether you’re sharing this meal with someone special or enjoying it with your big family (like me—haha!), it’s sure to bring everyone together! I hope it brings warmth and joy to your table.

Enjoying it the Italian way

As you explore the joys of food, I’d love to hear from you! What songs set the mood for your time in the kitchen? Are there any cherished recipes passed down in your family? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—let’s create a beautiful community around the love of food.

Until next time, keep cooking with love and making memories one dish at a time!

From her kitchen, with love ♡