Fresh Meatballs, Pasta and Gnocchi Pizza Bake
This is no simple dinner by any means. Each individual component on this plate can easily be treated as its own spectacular main dish, meaning there are many steps to complete before sitting down to eat. The preparation takes time, but the reward is absolutely massive. It is a stunning, multi-layered meal that is perfect for hosting a special party or an unforgettable family gathering.
To release the stress of making a grand meal like this all at once, you can lean heavily on smart meal prep. Making several elements ahead of time allows you to feel like a relaxed guest at your own dinner party.
The Ultimate Make-Ahead Strategy
The Meatballs: Prepare and shape your meatballs weeks in advance. Bake and transfer them to a freezer bag, and keep them frozen until you are ready to drop them into your sauce.
The Pasta Sauce: Never make your sauce on the day of the party if you can avoid it! Remember, the longer the sauce sits, the more its deep flavors develop. It is actually highly recommended to make this ahead of time. You can freeze the finished sauce and defrost it in the refrigerator overnight, or warm it up straight from the freezer right on the stovetop.
The Chicken Sausage: Mix and prepare your chicken sausages ahead of time. Refrigerate them if you are cooking within a couple of days, or freeze them for longer storage.
The Candied Pecans: Whip these up well in advance. They store beautifully in an airtight container and double as a delicious kitchen snack while you prep for the perfect crunchy topping for your salad.
The Quinoa: Cook your Quinoa a few days ahead of time and store it in a container in the refrigerator so it is completely chilled and ready to add crunch to your greens.
Lemon Vinaigrette: Save yourself a step at dinner time by whisking up this bright dressing either the day before or early on the serving day. Store it in a jar in the fridge and give it a good shake right before using.
Homemade Doughs: The day before serving is the perfect time to tackle your fresh pasta dough. Wrap it tightly and let it sit in the refrigerator until you are ready to roll and cut your ribbons.
The Tuscan Bread: I love trying to bake fresh bread on the actual day of serving for that ultimate bakery aroma. However, if you have to entertain guests or have other important things to do, absolutely make the bread ahead of time! On dinner night, you can simply slice and toast it to bring back that perfect crispness.
On Serving Day: Your Final Countdown
When dinner day arrives, your kitchen prep becomes an easy assembly line because of your hard work in advance. All you need to do is focus on these final steps.
Prep the Gnocchi: Cook your potatoes, mash them, and roll out your fresh gnocchi dough.
Warm the Base: Place your pre-made pasta sauce and meatballs on the stove to slowly warm through and simmer.
Assemble the Pizza Bake: Boil your fresh gnocchi until they float. Drain them, toss them with a splash of sauce, top with mozzarella, crumbled chicken sausage and turkey pepperoni, and slide the gnocchi pizza bake into the oven to get bubbly and golden.
Toss the Salad: Assemble your crisp crunch salad by tossing the fresh arugula with your pre-cooked chilled quinoa, sweet candied pecans, and your pre-made lemon vinaigrette dressing.
Boil the Pappardelle: Roll out your rested pasta dough, slice it into wide pappardelle, ribbons, and boil them for just 2 to 3 minutes until al dente.
Plate and Celebrate: Nest your fresh pappardelle on the side of the plate and top it with the rich red sauce and meatballs. Place a generous scoop of the hot gnocchi pizza bake on the other side. Finally, pile your vibrant lemon-arugula salad right in the middle between the pasta and gnocchi, and serve along your toasted Tuscan bread.
