Quick & Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe: Family Favorite!

Have you ever craved a deeply satisfying creamy spaghetti & meatballs that feels like a warm hug?

Comfort arrives in unexpected ways through this classic Italian-inspired dish packed with rich flavors.

Pasta lovers understand the magic of perfectly seasoned meatballs nestled in a silky sauce.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this recipe, blending simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Culinary magic happens when tender meat mingles with smooth, velvety cream and al dente noodles.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through traditional and contemporary cooking techniques.

I promise this meal will become your new weekend favorite that everyone asks you to make again.

Ideal Pairings for Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs

• Select a bold Italian Chianti or Sangiovese that cuts through the creamy richness and complements the tomato-based sauce, enhancing the meatballs' savory flavors.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness, adding a fresh, zesty contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Toast crusty Italian bread with garlic butter and herbs, providing the perfect vehicle for soaking up extra sauce and adding a crunchy texture to the meal.
• Choose a chilled sparkling water with a slice of lemon to cut through the richness, refresh the palate, and provide a light, cleansing accompaniment to the hearty pasta.

Creative Twists on Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs

Vegetarian Meatball Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or mashed lentils, using flax egg as a binder for a protein-packed vegetarian version.

Gluten-Free Option: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, and use gluten-free spaghetti to create a celiac-friendly meal.

Spicy Cajun Remix: Add Cajun seasoning to meatballs, incorporate andouille sausage into the sauce, and sprinkle extra red pepper flakes for a bold, zesty flavor profile.

Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining the creamy, savory essence of the original recipe.

Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs FAQs

• How can I prevent my meatballs from falling apart while cooking?

Mix ingredients thoroughly and use eggs as a binding agent. Avoid overmixing the meat and gently form meatballs with light pressure. Chilling the meatballs for 15-20 minutes before cooking helps them hold their shape.

• What's the best type of ground beef for meatballs?

Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat content for the most tender and flavorful meatballs. The fat helps keep the meatballs juicy and prevents them from becoming dry or tough during cooking.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Ensure all other ingredients like Parmesan and seasonings are also gluten-free to create a celiac-friendly version of the dish.

• How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Alternatively, cut a meatball in half to ensure there’s no pink meat remaining and the center looks fully cooked.

Why Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Hits the Comfort Spot

• A classic Italian-American dish that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia with its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly tender meatballs.
• This recipe comes together in just 30-40 minutes, making it ideal for busy families who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Easily adaptable for different dietary needs by swapping ground beef with turkey or using gluten-free breadcrumbs, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delectable pasta.
• Packed with kid-friendly flavors and a creamy sauce that makes vegetables and protein irresistible, this dish guarantees clean plates and happy smiles around the dinner table.

Everything You Need for Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs

• Ground Beef: Provides the base for juicy and flavorful meatballs, best with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio.
• Egg: Helps bind the meatball mixture and keeps it cohesive.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Add texture and enhance meatball flavor, traditional Italian-style ingredients.

• Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic flavor to meatballs.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance overall taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides traditional Mediterranean herb profile.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds brightness and color.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and depth.

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta that perfectly catches and holds sauce.

• Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing and building flavor base.
• Onion: Provides sweet, foundational flavor for sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Creates rich, authentic sauce base.
• Basil: Fresh herb that adds Mediterranean authenticity.
• Oregano: Traditional Italian herb with earthy notes.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, smooth sauce texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty complexity to sauce.

• Fresh Basil: Bright, aromatic finishing touch.

How to Cook Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs at Home

Step 1: Blend Meatball Magic

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley

Massage all ingredients together in a big mixing bowl until perfectly combined. Shape into golf ball-sized rounds with gentle hands.

Step 2: Sear Meatball Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Gently place meatballs and cook, rotating occasionally, until golden brown exterior emerges. Transfer to a separate plate.

Step 3: Boil Pasta Goodness

Bring salted water to a rolling boil. Drop spaghetti and cook according to package directions. Save some pasta water before draining.

Step 4: Create Sauce Symphony

In the same skillet, sauté diced onions until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and quickly stir.

Step 5: Tomato Transformation

Pour crushed tomatoes, sprinkle herbs and spices. Let simmer and develop rich flavors.

Step 6: Creamy Sauce Finale

Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until silky smooth.

Step 7: Reunite Meatballs

Return meatballs to skillet, coating with luscious sauce. Simmer until fully cooked.

Step 8: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Toss cooked spaghetti into sauce, gently mixing to ensure even coating.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve piping hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Perfection

• Perfectly Blend Meat Mixture: Gently mix meatball ingredients with your hands to avoid overworking the meat, which can make meatballs tough and dense.
• Achieve Golden Meatballs: Use medium heat when browning to create a beautiful caramelized exterior without burning, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor development.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Reserved pasta water is your secret weapon for adjusting sauce thickness- add gradually to create a silky, clingy texture that coats the spaghetti beautifully.
• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Cook spaghetti just until al dente, as it will continue absorbing sauce when mixed, preventing mushy noodles and maintaining perfect texture.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Let the sauce simmer slowly, allowing tomatoes and spices to meld together, which intensifies the overall taste profile of your creamy spaghetti and meatballs.

How to Store Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Without Drying

• Store leftover spaghetti and meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to storage containers to prevent condensation.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Spaghetti & Meatballs brings classic Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with rich, savory flavors. Generous portions of perfectly seasoned meatballs nestled atop al dente pasta promise satisfying meals that connect families around warm, inviting plates.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork)
• 1 large egg

Cheese and Dairy:

• ¼ cup (30 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ¼ cup (30 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Breadcrumbs:

• ½ cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14-ounce / 400 grams) can crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

Garnish:

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Instructions

1. Craft savory meatballs by blending ground beef with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and parsley until thoroughly incorporated.
2. Mold mixture into uniform spherical portions approximately one inch in diameter.
3. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over moderate temperature. Carefully place meatballs, rotating periodically to achieve golden-brown exterior, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer cooked meatballs to a separate plate.
4. Simultaneously prepare pasta by bringing salted water to robust boiling point. Submerge spaghetti and cook until perfectly tender, maintaining al dente texture. Preserve a portion of pasta liquid before draining.
5. Utilize identical skillet for developing sauce base. Introduce diced onions, sautéing until translucent and softened.
6. Incorporate minced garlic, allowing aromatics to release briefly.
7. Pour crushed tomatoes, infusing with basil, oregano, seasonings, and red pepper flakes. Allow sauce to gently simmer, stirring intermittently.
8. Enrich sauce by whisking heavy cream and Parmesan until achieving silky consistency.
9. Reintroduce meatballs into simmering sauce, ensuring complete coating and heating through.
10. Permit sauce to reduce and thicken, approximately 5-7 minutes. Adjust liquid consistency using reserved pasta water if necessary.
11. Delicately fold spaghetti into sauce, ensuring thorough yet gentle integration of pasta, sauce, and meatballs.
12. Elevate presentation by scattering fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese.
13. Serve immediately while piping hot, offering a delectable Italian-inspired culinary experience.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef for a healthier meatball with less grease and a lighter texture.
• Soak breadcrumbs in milk before mixing to create extra tender and juicy meatballs that won’t dry out during cooking.
• Avoid overmixing the meat mixture, which can make meatballs tough and dense; gently combine ingredients just until incorporated.
• For gluten-free adaptation, swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free panko crumbs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg