Description
Creamy Meatball Pasta
Ingredients:
200g penne pasta
500g ground beef or turkey
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for the sauce)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Prepare the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and browned on the outside.
Cook the Pasta: While the meatballs are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce and toss to coat. Place the meatballs on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy! Serve your creamy meatball pasta hot and enjoy the rich, flavorful dish!
Enjoy this creamy and hearty meal! Let me know if you need more recipes!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results. First, ensure all ingredients are pre-measured. When mixing meatballs, use your hands for even distribution but avoid overworking the meat, which can make them tough. For uniform cooking, use a small cookie scoop to portion the meat mixture. Bake meatballs on the middle oven rack. For the sauce, keep the heat at a gentle simmer after adding the cream and cheese; boiling can cause the sauce to separate. Stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted and integrated.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, serve with roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. A light, crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio complements the flavors perfectly.
How-to Summary
In summary: mix and bake seasoned meatballs, boil penne pasta until al dente, and create a creamy Parmesan sauce by simmering heavy cream, chicken broth, and cheese. Combine the drained pasta with the sauce, top with the baked meatballs, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Rigatoni, fettuccine, or shells are excellent alternatives that hold sauce well.
How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk, and use ground turkey or chicken.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time? Yes. You can form the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them raw on a tray before transferring to a bag for up to 3 months.
Why did my creamy sauce break or become grainy? This usually happens if the heat is too high, causing the dairy to separate. Always simmer gently and add cheese off the direct heat if possible.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to help loosen and reconstitute the sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the baking sheet with meatballs, which steams them instead of browning them.
- Underseasoning the meatball mixture. Always do a small test fry of a bit of the mix to check seasoning.
- Draining the pasta and letting it sit without sauce, causing it to stick together. Time it to finish just as the sauce is ready.
- Adding all the Parmesan cheese to the sauce at once without stirring continuously, which can lead to clumping.
Conclusion
This Creamy Meatball Pasta is a quintessential comfort food that is deceptively simple to master. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality, satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite. The combination of savory, herb-infused meatballs with a luxuriously smooth Parmesan sauce over pasta is timeless. Don’t forget to customize with your preferred protein or pasta shape to make it your own. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!