Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs is a comforting twist on the classic favorite, combining tender, flavorful meatballs with a luscious, creamy tomato sauce tossed over perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s rich, hearty, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or special occasions.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef or ground porkbreadcrumbsparmesan cheesegratedeggsminced garliconion powderItalian seasoningsalt and pepperolive oilspaghetti pastaheavy creamcanned crushed tomatoes or tomato sauceshallot mincedbutteroptional fresh basil for garnish

directions

In a large bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until combined.

Roll into small meatballs.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides; remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced shallot until softened.

Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 5-7 minutes.

Stir in heavy cream to create a creamy tomato sauce.

Return the meatballs to the sauce and simmer gently until cooked through.

Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain.

Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, coating it evenly with the creamy mixture.

Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 25 minutesTotal time: 40 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Mix spinach or kale into the sauce for extra veggies.

Swap spaghetti for fettuccine or penne for a different texture.

Top with mozzarella cheese and broil for a few minutes for a baked variation.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-18 minutes until cooked through.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use coconut cream and skip the Parmesan, or use dairy-free alternatives.

Can I prepare the meatballs ahead?

Yes, you can form the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.

What pasta works best?

Spaghetti is traditional, but fettuccine, linguine, or even rigatoni work well too.

How creamy is the sauce?

It’s moderately creamy with a rich, balanced tomato flavor.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, freeze the sauce and meatballs separately for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat before serving.

What can I add for extra flavor?

A splash of white wine or chicken broth can deepen the sauce’s flavor.

Can I make mini meatballs?

Absolutely, just adjust cooking time as smaller meatballs cook faster.

What if my sauce is too thick?

Add a little pasta water or cream to loosen it.

Can I use jarred tomato sauce?

Yes, but adjust seasoning to taste as jarred sauces may be saltier.

Conclusion

Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs is a hearty, satisfying dish that elevates the beloved classic with a smooth, rich sauce. It’s simple enough for a cozy weeknight meal yet impressive enough for guests, bringing warmth and indulgence to any table.