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A plate of gluten-free spaghetti with golden-brown meatballs, covered in rich marinara sauce, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan, served on a rustic wooden table with warm lighting."

Gluten-Free Meatball With Pasta

This Classic Gluten-Free Meatball Pairings with Gluten-Free Pasta recipe delivers all the comfort and flavor of traditional Italian-style meatballs without any gluten. Juicy, flavorful meatballs are paired with gluten-free pasta and a rich, homemade marinara sauce. Whether you have gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, or just prefer a gluten-free diet, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. Serve it with a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Gluten-Free Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken
  • ½ cup almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)

For the Marinara Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz gluten-free pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, to prevent sticking)

For Garnish:

  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, almond flour (or gluten-free breadcrumbs), egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Using your hands, roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Marinara Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in crushed tomatoes, and stir in oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Cook the Gluten-Free Pasta

  1. While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add gluten-free pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-12 minutes.
  2. Drain the pasta and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

  1. Add the cooked meatballs into the marinara sauce and let them simmer for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Plate the pasta and top with meatballs and marinara sauce.
  3. Garnish with fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
  4. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Meat Selection: Ground beef provides a rich taste, while turkey or chicken offers a leaner option.
  • Breadcrumb Substitute: Almond flour adds a slight nuttiness, but gluten-free breadcrumbs give a more traditional texture.
  • Make-Ahead Option: Cooked meatballs and sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months for easy meal prep.
  • Pasta Choice: Different gluten-free pasta brands vary in texture; some taste better than others. Try brands like Barilla Gluten-Free, Jovial, or Banza for the best results.
  • Extra Veggies: For added nutrition, stir sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini into the sauce.
  • Author: Delishing recipes
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (meatballs with pasta and sauce)
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: gluten-free meatballs, gluten-free pasta, gluten-free Italian recipes, healthy pasta recipes, gluten-free dinner, easy meatball recipe, homemade marinara sauce, gluten-free comfort food