Description
If you’re craving comfort food that’s rich, hearty, and satisfying, this Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe will hit the spot! Juicy, flavorful meatballs simmered in a luscious creamy tomato sauce and served over a bed of tender spaghetti—this dish is a delicious twist on the classic favorite. Perfect for cozy family dinners or when you need a big bowl of love on a plate.
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Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
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1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 egg
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Creamy Tomato Sauce:
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
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½ cup tomato sauce
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1 tsp sugar
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1 tsp dried basil
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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½ cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
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12 oz spaghetti
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Salt for boiling water
For Garnish:
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Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
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Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
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In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing.
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Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the meatballs for 15-18 minutes, or until fully cooked.
—OR—
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat with 1 tbsp olive oil and brown the meatballs on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
6. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
7. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce
8. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
9. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
10. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
11. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
12. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
13. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
14. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until creamy and rich.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
15. Add cooked meatballs into the sauce, gently stirring to coat. Simmer for 5 minutes.
16. Toss in the cooked spaghetti or serve the sauce and meatballs over the pasta.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
17. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
18. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Notes
Use Fresh Garlic – Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor.
Don’t Overcook Meatballs – Cook just until done to keep them juicy.
Cream Last – Add cream at the end to prevent curdling.
Parmesan Matters – Use freshly grated Parmesan for the richest taste.
Save Pasta Water – A splash can loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.