This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pure Farmland™. All opinions are entirely my own. Thanks so much for supporting that brands that make Diary of a Debutante possible!
When it comes to dinner in our house, variety is the spice of life. We eat meat, but we also like to incorporate some plant-based protein into our diet. So, I’m basically always on the lookout for “flexitarian” options. I came across Pure Farmland™ plant-based Home Style Meatballs at Hy-Vee, and being the meatball-loving Italian that I am, couldn’t resist giving them a try. I mean, there’s nothing quite as comforting on a cool fall evening as a bowl of spaghetti and meatballs, right? Y’all, it’s pretty hard to measure up to my grandma’s homemade meatballs, but these plant-based meatballs more than held their own. They’re so easy to prepare, too. Keep reading for my super simple Spaghetti and Meatballs (with a twist) recipe!
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Pure Farmland Homestyle Meatballs– Look for them in the frozen meat aisle at Hy-Vee.
- Angel hair pasta- For reference, a full box of angel hair pasta serves four.
- Marinara pasta sauce- Doesn’t matter if it’s homemade or store-bought.
- Fresh basil- Because everyone loves a good garnish!
Start by preheating the oven to 375F. Then, place Pure Farmland Homestyle Meatballs on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet coated lightly with nonstick cooking spray or wire rack. Bake for 15 minutes, then gently turn each meatball over and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes (or until their internal temperature reaches 175F). While the meatballs are cooling, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the angel hair pasta. Cook the pasta for 3-5 minutes, stirring the water sporadically. Drain the pasta and transfer to pasta bowls.
While the pasta cooks, heat up your marinara pasta sauce on the stove. Toss the meatballs in the warm pasta sauce and add to pasta bowls. For garnish, top with some fresh basil leaves… and enjoy!
If you prefer Italian-style meatballs, Pure Farmland makes delicious plant-based Italian Style Meatballs, too! They also make some yummy plant-based burger and breakfast patties, and a variety of other plant-based choices that are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and all taste delicious. They’re perfect if you’re a flexitarian or if you just want to eat less meat! They also come in trays made with more than 50% recycled material, and they donate the cost of protecting one square foot of farmland for each product sold to American Farmland Trust. Look for them in the meat aisle at your local Hy-Vee!
Also, date night wouldn’t be date night without ambiance, right? If you want to take your date night or dinner party to the next level (because I’m a planner and can’t resist any opportunity to bust out the fancy plates), create a classic blue and white Italian tablescape to go along with your spaghetti and plant-based meatballs! We ended up inviting another couple over for dinner and games, so I needed to set four place settings. Here’s what I came up with–
Pretty, right? I’ve been slowly collecting delftware for the past few years and love any excuse to actually use it!
Have you ever tried any plant-based protein? If so, do you have any favorite products? I’m still experimenting and would love recommendations!
Oh, and please let me know if you pick up any Pure Farmland Plant-Based items at Hy-Vee! I live for tailgating, so I’m excited to try their plant-based burger patties next. Would love to know your thoughts!
Photography by Catherine Rhodes.
