Description
Creamy Spaghetti with Meatballs
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
1 lb (450g) ground beef or pork
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
For the Spaghetti:
12 oz (340g) spaghetti
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup canned diced tomatoes
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Shape into small meatballs.
2. Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine: Add the cooked spaghetti and meatballs to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
#CreamySpaghetti #MeatballPasta
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results. First, ensure all ingredients are prepped and measured. For the meatballs, combine the meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and seasonings in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix just until combined—overmixing makes tough meatballs. Roll into 1-inch balls. In your skillet, heat the oil until shimmering before adding meatballs. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if needed to ensure proper browning. While meatballs cook, start your pasta water. After removing meatballs, build the sauce in the same skillet to capture all the flavorful browned bits. Let the cream and tomato sauce simmer gently to thicken before adding the drained pasta and meatballs back in. Toss everything together off the heat to coat evenly.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and hearty dish pairs beautifully with simple sides. Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, start with an appetizer like bruschetta or a classic antipasto platter.
How-to Summary
In brief: Mix and brown meatballs. Boil spaghetti. In the same pan, create a creamy tomato sauce with garlic, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Simmer to thicken, then combine sauce with drained pasta and cooked meatballs. Toss, garnish, and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Fettuccine, rigatoni, or penne all work well with this meatball and cream sauce.
How can I make the sauce lighter? Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, but be careful not to let it boil vigorously to prevent curdling.
Can I bake the meatballs instead? Yes. Baking at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes is a great hands-off method that reduces splatter.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
Can I freeze this dish? The meatballs and sauce freeze well separately for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat. Pasta is best cooked fresh.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the meatball meat: This leads to dense, tough meatballs. Mix until just combined.
- Crowding the skillet: Adding too many meatballs at once steams them instead of browning. Cook in batches.
- Overcooking the sauce: Simmer the cream sauce gently; boiling can cause it to separate or become greasy.
- Rinsing the pasta: Do not rinse the drained spaghetti. The starch helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
- Using pre-grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts much more smoothly and has far superior flavor.
Conclusion
This Creamy Spaghetti with Meatballs recipe delivers restaurant-quality comfort food with straightforward techniques. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a decadent, satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite. The balance of savory meatballs, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta makes it a timeless classic worth mastering. Enjoy the process and the delicious results.