Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs

If you’re craving a comforting pasta dish that combines the richness of a creamy sauce with the heartiness of meatballs, this Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is just what you need. Perfectly seasoned beef meatballs are nestled in a velvety, cheesy cream sauce and tossed with spaghetti for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Family Favorite – A classic with a creamy twist everyone will love.
Rich and Creamy – The sauce is luxuriously smooth with hints of garlic and Parmesan.
Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.
Customizable – Swap in your favorite pasta or add veggies to the sauce.
Simple Yet Impressive – Easy enough for weeknights, fancy enough for guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for depth of flavor)

For the Spaghetti:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• Salt for pasta water

For Garnish:

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese for topping

Tools You’ll Need
Large mixing bowl
Skillet or frying pan
Saucepan
Large pot for boiling pasta
Tongs or pasta fork
Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—don’t overmix.
3. Roll into 1 to 1.5-inch balls and place on a plate.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add meatballs in batches and brown on all sides, about 6–8 minutes total.
6. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain spaghetti and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
4. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Pour in heavy cream and continue to stir.
6. Add Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
7. Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked meatballs into the sauce and let them simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Toss the drained spaghetti into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
3. Stir gently to coat the pasta and meatballs evenly with the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle chopped parsley and extra Parmesan on top before serving.
2. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs
Don’t Overmix the Meat – Lightly mix ingredients to keep meatballs tender.
Brown First, Simmer Later – Searing locks in flavor; simmering finishes the cook.
Use Fresh Garlic – It gives the best aroma and depth.
Reserve Pasta Water – It helps bind the sauce to the pasta beautifully.
Grate Your Cheese – Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Caesar Salad – Crisp and fresh for balance.
Roasted Vegetables – Broccoli or zucchini pair nicely.
Chilled Lemonade – Refreshing and citrusy for contrast.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze meatballs and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Reheat with freshly cooked pasta.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish with a lid, reheating in 30-second intervals while stirring.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours or freeze for later use.
2. What pasta works best besides spaghetti?
   Fettuccine, linguine, or penne are great alternatives.
3. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Absolutely. Just note the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
4. How can I make this gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free pasta and substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free options like almond flour or GF breadcrumbs.
5. Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
   Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes are tasty additions.

Final Thoughts
Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs is the ultimate comfort dish—rich, satisfying, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering, this dish always hits the spot. The combination of savory meatballs and a luscious cream sauce creates a pasta experience you’ll crave again and again.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your dish turns out.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 590 | Protein: 29g | Carbohydrates: 52g | Fat: 31g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 620mg

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