Oven-Ready
Italian-Style Ricotta Pork Meatballs
with creamy tomato and spinach penne
Prep & Cook Time: 35-45 min.
Spice Level: Not Spicy
Cook Within: 5 days
Contains: Milk, Wheat
Chef
Laura Alpern
Still want the great flavors and delicious dinners you’ve come to expect from Home Chef, but a fraction of the time and barely any work? These oven-ready offerings were made with you in mind. Just follow the assembly instructions, pop it in the oven, and voila! It’s like you worked for hours over a hot stove (we’ll keep your secret.)
In Your Box (serves 4)
- 20 oz. Ground Pork
-
16 oz. Cooked Penne Pasta
-
8 oz. Vodka Sauce
-
3 oz. Creme Fraiche
-
2 oz. Part-Skim Ricotta Cheese
- 2 oz. Baby Spinach
-
1 oz. Basil Pesto
-
1 oz. Shredded Parmesan Cheese
-
¼ cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp. Italian Seasoning Blend
Due to our just-in-time sourcing model, we may have to send you a substitute ingredient. Not to worry! We make sure every ingredient sent to you meets our high quality standards. We’ll keep you informed should a switch occur, so please check the ingredient labels in your meal bag.
-
Nutrition (per serving)
-
Calories690
-
Carbohydrates47g
-
Net Carbs44g
-
Fat39g
-
Protein38g
-
Sodium940mg
Recipe Steps
You Will Need
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cooking Spray
- 2 Mixing Bowls
Cooking Guidelines
To ensure food safety, the FDA recommends the following as minimum internal cooking temperatures:
- Steak and Pork 145° F (rest cooked meat, 3 minutes) |
- Seafood 145° F |
- Chicken 165° F |
- Ground Beef 160° F |
- Ground Turkey 165° F |
- Ground Pork 160° F
-
1 Form the Meatballs
Turn oven on to 425 degrees. Let preheat, at least 10 minutes. Thoroughly rinse any fresh produce and pat dry.
In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, ricotta, panko, Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Mix well to combine.Form pork mixture into 12 equally-sized meatballs and place in one provided tray. -
2 Add the Pasta
In second provided tray, combine pasta, vodka sauce, 1/3 the crème fraîche (reserve remaining for pesto crema), 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Top with spinach in an even layer.
Spray a piece of foil with cooking spray. Cover tray with foil, spray-side down. -
3 Bake Meal and Make Pesto Crema
Bake meatballs uncovered in hot oven until pork reaches a minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees, 25-30 minutes.
Bake pasta covered in hot oven until heated through, 20-25 minutes.While meal bakes, in another mixing bowl, combine remaining crème fraîche, pesto, and 1 Tbsp. water. Set aside.Carefully remove both trays from oven.Add a pinch of salt and pepper to tray with pasta. Stir until spinach is thoroughly combined. Tray will be hot! Use a utensil.To serve, top pasta with meatballs. Garnish with shredded cheese and top meatballs with pesto crema. Bon appétit!
Home Chef is a meal kit delivery service - order and receive home food delivery weekly. Choose from 21 fresh recipes featuring steak, chicken, pork, fish, vegetarian options, and beyond to meet your cooking needs each week.