Go Back
+ servings
Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs

Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs to Warm Your Heart

Indulge in creamy spaghetti and meatballs for a heartwarming dinner option, perfect for family gatherings and busy nights.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 large Egg Or flax egg for vegan option
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Can swap for Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Kosher preferred
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground preferred
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced or garlic powder can substitute
  • 1/4 cup Water Chicken broth for more flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Or ground turkey, plant-based can substitute
  • 1/2 pound Ground Pork Or beef only for leaner option
  • 1/2 cup Bread Crumbs Gluten-free for a gluten-friendly version
  • 1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese Or Pecorino Romano for sharper taste
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Olive oil as dairy-free substitute
  • 1 large Yellow Onion Chopped, can substitute with shallots
  • 2 cups High-Quality Marinara Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Honey as a natural alternative or omit
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Coconut cream for dairy-free
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Skip if using fresh garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Sweet Paprika Smoked paprika for a different flavor
  • to taste Salt And pepper to taste
For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Spaghetti Or fettuccine, penne, zucchini noodles for lower-carb

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Skillet
  • pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg, chopped parsley, tomato paste, oregano, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and water. Gently add ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Mix until just combined without overworking the meat. Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are browned.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped yellow onion, sautéing for about 5 minutes or until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Next, pour in the high-quality marinara sauce; bring it to a gentle simmer. Incorporate sugar and season with salt and pepper to taste, allowing the flavors to meld, which should take around 2-3 minutes.
  3. Once the sauce has simmered, reduce the heat slightly and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 2-3 minutes longer until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy. This step is crucial for achieving that luscious texture that pairs perfectly with the meatballs.
  4. While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Before draining, reserve about a cup of pasta water, which can help adjust the sauce's consistency later. Drain the spaghetti and return it to the pot, keeping it warm.
  5. Add the freshly cooked spaghetti to the creamy sauce in the skillet, stirring gently for about 5 minutes to help the pasta absorb the rich flavors. Carefully add the baked meatballs to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to coat evenly. Serve the Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs hot, garnished with extra Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Enjoy making these creamy spaghetti and meatballs—your family will surely ask for seconds!

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!