️ Recipe: Creamy Garlic Mustard

️ Recipe: Creamy Garlic Mustard Meatballs over Rigatoni

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 500g (1 lb) ground beef or a beef-pork mix

• 1 small onion, finely grated

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 egg

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• Olive oil for frying

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp whole grain mustard

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish

For the Pasta:

• 400g (14 oz) rigatoni pasta

• Salted water for boiling

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper.

2. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

3. Roll into 1.5-inch meatballs (yields about 14–18).

4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry meatballs in batches until browned on all sides (about 8–10 minutes total).

5. Remove and drain on paper towels. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Rigatoni

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package directions.

3. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Mustard Sauce

1. In the same skillet used for the meatballs, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (1 minute).

3. Stir in Dijon and whole grain mustard, followed by smoked paprika.

4. Pour in heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan.

5. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. Return meatballs to the sauce and simmer for another 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add pasta water if sauce is too thick.

7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Spoon rigatoni onto plates.

2. Top with meatballs and a generous ladle of sauce.

3. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra richness.

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

• Substitute rigatoni with penne, tagliatelle, or mashed potatoes.