Pork Meatball Fusilli with Rocket Pesto & Sundried Tomato

Pork Meatball Fusilli with Rocket Pesto & Sundried Tomato

This Italian-style classic is a bowlful of comfort. You'll pan simmer juicy meatballs, made with tender free-range British pork and Italian herbs, in a rich tomato ragu. Then toss through brown rice fusilli to soak up all the flavour. Top with a creamy pesto rocket for a pop of green. Buon appetito!

5 plants Family classics

Serving size

Cook time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Food group: Pork
Allergens: Eggs, Milk
Smiling woman in a kitchen holding an open Mindful Chef delivery box filled with fresh vegetables.

Getting hungry?

Find 56 recipes a week just like this one at Mindful Chef, that are all:

Delicious, high quality food - and lots of it
No stodgy refined carbs - no food comas here
Goodness from natural food - full of fibre
Explore this week's menu

Cooking Instructions

The protein cooking time listed in this recipe has been updated.

As of December 2025, we’ve revised cooking times for all our proteins to reflect improved food safety guidance.

Check out the latest recommended times in our Cooking Guidelines.

Before you start

  • Pull out a large saucepan, a large frying pan, a large bowl, a small bowl, a measuring jug, a grater & a sieve

Shape the meatballs

  • Finely grate the cheese
  • Add the pork mince, one-quarter of the cheese and half the sundried tomato paste to the large bowl, along with the Italian herbs. Season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper
  • Mix well, and shape into 16 even-sized meatballs

Simmer simmer

  • Finely grate the garlic. Halve the tomatoes. Dice the peppers into 1cm chunks
  • Reheat the large frying pan with 1/2 tbsp oil on medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and pepper and fry for 5 mins, until the meatballs are golden brown all over
  • Add the garlic, tomatoes and remaining sundried tomato paste and cook for 1 min
  • Stir in the stock powder, chopped tomatoes and 150ml water. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 15 mins, until the meatballs are cooked through. Season with salt and pepper

Cook the pasta & make the pesto

  • Bring the large saucepan filled with salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fusilli and boil for 10-11 mins, until cooked, then drain
  • Meanwhile, finely chop half the rocket and add to the small bowl, along with the pesto, 1 tbsp olive oil and half the remaining cheese. Mix well to combine
  • When ready, stir the cooked pasta and remaining cheese into the sauce and toss to combine. Season to taste. Add a splash of water if it's a little dry

Plate up

  • Check your meat is cooked through; it should be golden brown, steaming hot, the juices should run clear when cut and there should be no pink / rare meat inside
  • Serve the meatball pasta into bowls. Top with the remaining rocket and spoon over the rocket pesto

Looking for more recipe inspiration?

Subscribe to our newsletter and get delicious seasonal inspiration and recipes, plus 25% off your first 4 boxes with us!

By signing up to our mailing list you agree to the terms of our Privacy Policy.

Mindful Chef

Take a seat at our table.

Food is personal at Mindful Chef. We use cookies and similar technologies to tailor recipes and content to your tastes, just like our delicious weekly menus. We also use this tech to enhance your experience and help our website run smoothly.

You're in charge - accept or reject nonessential cookies, and feel free to change your preferences at any time.

Cookie Policy

Making changes?

Are you sure you want to continue?