Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs

Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs is a rich and comforting twist on the classic Italian favorite. Tender, juicy meatballs are simmered in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce and served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra creamy and flavorful: The combination of tomato sauce and cream creates a smooth, velvety texture.
• Classic comfort food: A hearty, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients come together for a restaurant-quality dish at home.
• Customizable: Adjust the flavors, use different meats, or add veggies for variety.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

• Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Egg
• Garlic (minced)
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil (for frying)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• Butter
• Onion (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Heavy cream
• Chicken or beef broth
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

For the Pasta:

• Spaghetti
• Salt (for boiling water)
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

Directions

1. Make the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. Roll into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs until browned on all sides (they will finish cooking in the sauce). Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce

4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté chopped onions until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth.

3. Cook the Pasta

7. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

4. Combine Everything

8. Add the meatballs back to the sauce and let them simmer for another 10 minutes until fully cooked.
9. Toss the cooked spaghetti into the creamy sauce and mix well.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan. Serve hot!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Chicken option: Swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey.
• Spicy kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Extra veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more nutrition.
• Low-carb version: Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
• Cheesy upgrade: Add shredded mozzarella to the sauce for an even creamier dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.
• Reheating:
  • Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.
  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warm.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can shape and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours or freeze them for later use.

What pasta works best for this dish?

Spaghetti is traditional, but fettuccine, linguine, or penne work great too.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.

How do I keep my meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to use enough breadcrumbs and egg to bind the ingredients together.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer longer or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water.

Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Absolutely! Just simmer them in the sauce until heated through.

What can I serve with creamy spaghetti & meatballs?

Garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables make great side dishes.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat low when adding the cream and stir constantly.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down longer for a smoother sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, velvety sauce and juicy meatballs, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. Try it tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

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