
The 4-Ingredient Dinner I Make All the Time
Prep
5 mins
Cook
15 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
When I'm exhausted after work and have nothing planned for dinner, this is my absolute go to meal. You need just four ingredients and fifteen minutes, which means you can have a restaurant quality pasta on the table faster than ordering takeout. The heavy cream is rich and luxurious, while olive oil provides heart healthy monounsaturated fats that actually support your cardiovascular health. It's so simple that even on my most chaotic days, I can pull it together without thinking twice. Your family will be amazed at how elegant it tastes when the reality is you barely spent any time cooking.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 11(12-ounce/24-count) package frozen meatballs)
- 1 tablespoonolive oil
- 112 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 473 mlheavy whipping cream
- 11 jar(about 7 ounces) store-bought pesto)
- 1 teaspoonsalt
- 1 teaspoonground black pepper(or to taste)
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for cooking the fettuccine.
- 2
While the pasta water is heating up, on a microwave-safe plate, microwave the frozen meatballs for 1 minute on high. You want them a little less frozen, but it’s okay if they aren’t fully thawed. Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the meatballs. Cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute on each side, then turn off the heat. Place the meatballs on a plate, and set aside. Drain any extra grease from the skillet into a small bowl so it can cool before you toss it. Don't ever pour grease down your kitchen sink!
- 3
Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions.
- 4
While the pasta is cooking, turn the heat under the skillet to medium-low. Add the heavy cream and cook, stirring occasionally, until steaming, about 3 minutes. Add the pesto, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. Add the meatballs back in and stir to coat them in the sauce. Increase the heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, until the meatballs are cooked through (they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F), about 7 minutes. If the sauce starts to boil, lower the heat. You want a steady simmer, not a boil.
- 5
Drain the cooked pasta and add to the skillet. Use tongs to coat the noodles fully in the sauce, then remove from the heat and serve immediately. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave in 15-second increments until warmed through. The reheated sauce will be a bit different in texture, but still taste great. I don’t recommend freezing this dish. Love the recipe? Leave us stars and a comment below!
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