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There’s nothing quite like a comforting plate of creamy spaghetti and meatballs to satisfy your cravings. This classic dish gets a luxurious upgrade with a velvety sauce that clings to every strand of pasta and tender, flavorful meatballs. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
Key Ingredients
The secret to this creamy spaghetti and meatballs lies in the quality of its ingredients. Fresh herbs like parsley and oregano add brightness, while a combination of ground beef and pork creates meatballs that are juicy and packed with flavor. The heavy cream transforms a simple marinara into a rich, indulgent sauce that’s irresistibly smooth.
Ingredients List
| Meatball Ingredients | Sauce Ingredients |
|---|---|
| 1 large egg | 3 tablespoons butter |
| 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley | 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped |
| 1 teaspoon dried oregano | 5 cloves garlic, minced |
| 1 teaspoon salt | 3 cups high-quality marinara sauce |
| ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper | ½ teaspoon sugar |
| 5 cloves garlic, minced | 1 ½ cups heavy cream |
| ¼ cup water | 12 oz spaghetti |
| 3 tablespoons tomato paste | 1 teaspoon garlic powder |
| 1 pound ground beef | 1 teaspoon sweet paprika |
| 1 pound ground pork | Salt & pepper to taste |
| 1 cup dried Italian-style bread crumbs | |
| ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese plus extra for serving |
Helpful Tools
1. Mixing Bowls: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining your meatball ingredients thoroughly.
2. Baking Sheet: Use a rimmed baking sheet to bake the meatballs evenly.
3. Large Skillet: A deep skillet helps in preparing the sauce and combining everything together seamlessly.
Pro-Tips
- 1. Don’t Overmix: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overworking the meat can result in tough meatballs.
- 2. Uniform Size: Roll the meatballs into uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
- 3. Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- 4. Pasta Water: Reserve some pasta water to adjust the consistency of your sauce if needed.
- 5. Pairing Suggestion: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. For a different twist, try our Chicken Lo Mein Recipe for another delicious meal option.
How to Make Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs
- 1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and position the rack in the middle.
- 2. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, parsley, tomato paste, oregano, salt, pepper, 5 cloves of minced garlic, and water. Add the ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
- 3. Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and arrange them on an ungreased baking sheet.
- 4. Bake Meatballs: Bake for 10 minutes. Remove, flip the meatballs with a metal spatula, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until browned and nearly cooked through.
- 5. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the remaining 5 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- 6. Prepare Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a gentle simmer. Add sugar and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- 7. Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- 8. Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, add ¼ cup water and flour, mix well, and add this slurry to the sauce to help thicken. Whisk it into the sauce quickly and let it simmer until the sauce has thickened. Add in all the seasonings.
- 9. Cook Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add to the sauce.
- 10. Combine and Serve: Add the meatballs to the skillet and gently toss to combine. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Variations
1. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy version.
2. Vegetarian Option: Replace the meatballs with plant-based meatballs or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
3. Cheese Lovers: Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella on top before serving for an extra cheesy delight.
Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs
This Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe upgrades the Sunday night classic into something truly luxurious. Juicy, herb-loaded meatballs are pan-seared and then simmered in a rich, velvety tomato-cream sauce enriched with Parmesan and fresh basil. It is the perfect marriage of a hearty Bolognese and a creamy Alfredo.
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
— The Meatballs —
1 lb (450g) ground beef (85% lean)
½ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
— The Creamy Tomato Sauce —
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream (heavy whipping cream)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
— The Pasta —
1 lb (450g) spaghetti or linguine
Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
1. **Boil Pasta:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. **Make Meatballs:** In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, ¼ cup Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands just until combined. Form into 12–15 medium-sized meatballs.
3. **Sear Meatballs:** Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer. Cook for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides (they do not need to be cooked through yet). Remove meatballs to a plate.
4. **Start Sauce:** Reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
5. **Simmer:** Pour in the crushed tomatoes and oregano. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer.
6. **Finish Cooking Meatballs:** Gently place the browned meatballs back into the tomato sauce. Cover and simmer on low for 10–12 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
7. **Make it Creamy:** Stir in the heavy cream and ½ cup Parmesan cheese. Let it bubble gently for 2 minutes to thicken slightly and turn a beautiful pink-orange color. Taste and adjust salt/pepper.
8. **Combine:** Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce. (Use a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening).
9. **Serve:** Garnish generously with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
Notes
Meatball Tip: Do not overmix the meat mixture, or your meatballs will be tough. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are incorporated.
Short on Time? You can use frozen meatballs and a jar of marinara sauce. Just brown the frozen meatballs, add the jarred sauce, simmer to heat through, and then stir in the cream at the end.
Sauce Acidity: If the canned tomatoes taste too acidic, stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar when you add the cream to balance the flavors.
Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3 days. The sauce will thicken when cold, so add a splash of water when reheating on the stove.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine or penne.
Q: How can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the sauce gently and cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve.
Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
A: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
Conclusion
This creamy spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, offering a rich and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender meatballs and velvety sauce, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest.