Name: Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 large egg; 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 5 cloves garlic (minced); 1/4 cup water; 3 tbsp tomato paste; 1 pound ground beef; 1 pound ground pork; 1 cup dried Italian-style bread crumbs (such as Progresso); 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (plus extra for serving); 3 tablespoons butter; 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped); 5 cloves garlic (minced); 3 cups high-quality marinara sauce (such as Rao’s); 1/2 tsp sugar; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 12 oz spaghetti (break in half for easier cooking); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp sweet paprika; Salt & pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you love comfort food classics with a luscious twist, this Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe is going to steal your heart—and your tastebuds! Perfectly seasoned meatballs meet a velvety tomato-cream sauce that clings to long, tender strands of spaghetti. Every forkful is a burst of irresistible flavor, rich but balanced and deeply satisfying. This is the dinner you make when you want to gather the people you love around the table, share a few laughs, and enjoy a truly memorable Italian meal.

Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, but each one adds its own special touch, building depth, juiciness, and flavor into every layer of this Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe. Stick with fresh herbs and good Parmigiano-Reggiano—your tastebuds will thank you!

Egg: Acts as the binder, keeping your meatballs perfectly moist and tender.
Fresh parsley: Provides brightness and a classic Italian herbal note.
Dried oregano: Brings earthy, savory flavor to both the sauce and the meatballs.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Fundamental for seasoning every layer.
Garlic: Used throughout for bold, aromatic richness—don’t skimp here!
Water: Keeps the meatballs light, not dense.
Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor, adding sweetness and color.
Ground beef: The hearty base of your meatballs, delivering big flavor.
Ground pork: Adds richness and juiciness to the meatball mix.
Dried Italian-style bread crumbs: Soaks up juice for a tender, well-textured bite.
Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese: Melts into the meatballs and offers a salty, creamy touch.
Butter: Starts your sauce off with extra richness and depth.
Yellow onion: Sauteed gently for mellow sweetness to anchor the sauce.
Marinara sauce: Use your favorite high-quality brand for best results.
Sugar: Just a pinch balances acidity in the tomatoes.
Heavy cream: Brings silkiness and makes this recipe truly special.
Spaghetti: Classic pasta choice that soaks up the creamy sauce.
Garlic powder and sweet paprika: Bump up the savoriness and give the sauce a beautiful color.
Salt & pepper to taste: Seasoning as you go ensures every flavor shines through.

How to Make Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, fresh parsley, tomato paste, oregano, salt, black pepper, five cloves of minced garlic, and water until fully combined. Fold in the ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. Gently mix with your hands—just until blended—so the meatballs stay tender. This careful mixing ensures every bite in your Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe is juicier and lighter, never tough!

Step 2: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line up golf ball-sized portions of the mixture onto an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, then carefully flip each meatball using a metal spatula. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes until they’re browned, deliciously aromatic, and almost fully cooked. Baking first makes cleanup easier and helps the meatballs keep their shape for your Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe.

Step 3: Saute the Aromatics

While the meatballs bake, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped yellow onion, and sauté for five minutes until translucent and sweet. Stir in the remaining minced garlic and cook for just one minute—letting those fragrances bloom—forming the base for the dreamy sauce that makes this Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe so special.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Pour in your favorite high-quality marinara sauce, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. Stir in the sugar and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Add the heavy cream, letting the sauce simmer for two to three minutes so the flavors all meld. In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup water with a tablespoon of flour to form a slurry, then quickly whisk this into the sauce to thicken. Once the sauce has a lovely, clingy consistency, stir in the garlic powder and sweet paprika. Your Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe sauce is now irresistibly rich!

Step 5: Finish the Pasta

Toss in the spaghetti directly into your creamy tomato sauce and simmer for about five minutes, stirring now and then. This technique lets the pasta soak up maximum flavor, making sure your Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe is anything but bland. The noodles become coated in that dreamy sauce, setting the stage for a show-stopping meal.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Add your baked meatballs to the saucy skillet and gently toss until every meatball and pasta strand is gloriously dressed in creaminess. Serve immediately, with a generous shower of extra Parmigiano-Reggiano. Every bite of Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe will have you coming back for more!

How to Serve Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmigiano-Reggiano are always welcome. If you’re feeling extra, add a drizzle of good olive oil or a few ribbons of fresh basil right before serving—these touches turn a delicious Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe into a restaurant-worthy experience at home.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a simple arugula salad with lemon, or roasted vegetables. The tender crunch and bright flavors from a side salad balance the rich, creamy pasta, while bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce from your Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe in individual bowls for an elegant dinner party or bake it casserole-style, topped with more cheese for a bubbly, golden crust. For a cozy family-style meal, bring the skillet straight to the table and let everyone dig in—rustic, generous, and so inviting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored this way, Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe will keep in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavors deepen even more!

Freezing

The baked meatballs freeze beautifully on their own—just arrange them on a parchment-lined sheet until frozen, then store in a freezer bag. The sauce can also be frozen separately. If you want to freeze the finished Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe, let it cool, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to one month.

Reheating

To reheat, place individual servings in a saucepan with a splash of extra cream or milk, and warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid microwaving for best consistency—the sauce stays just as luxurious as day one!

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the meatballs up to two days ahead, then simply add them to the sauce when ready to serve. They actually develop even more flavor after resting in the fridge!

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken would work beautifully in this Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe, but keep in mind they’re leaner. Add a bit of extra olive oil or a splash of cream to the mixture to ensure your meatballs stay juicy.

What pasta shapes can I use instead of spaghetti?

While classic spaghetti is hard to beat, this creamy sauce clings deliciously to fettuccine, linguine, or even penne. Pick your favorite shape, but do try to use long, sturdy noodles for the most satisfying bite.

How can I make this recipe spicy?

For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce when you stir in the garlic. You can also spice up the meatballs themselves with a touch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce, personalizing your Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe to taste.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Swap the bread crumbs for a gluten-free alternative and use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti. Make sure your marinara and all seasonings are gluten-free as well—everyone deserves to enjoy this comfort classic!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a way to make your next pasta night extra-special, this Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe is the answer. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite comfort food—there’s just something magical about that creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned meatballs. Gather your family, serve it up hot, and let the smiles begin!

Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 14 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in this comforting and creamy spaghetti and meatballs recipe that is sure to become a family favorite. Homemade meatballs simmered in a rich marinara and cream sauce, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti – a satisfying meal that will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, whisk together egg, parsley, tomato paste, oregano, salt, pepper, 5 cloves minced garlic, and water. Add ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Form meatballs and bake.
Make the Sauce: Melt butter in a skillet, sauté onion and garlic. Add marinara sauce, sugar, salt, pepper. Stir in heavy cream and thicken with water-flour slurry.
Combine & Serve: Cook spaghetti in sauce, add meatballs, toss to combine. Garnish with Parmigiano-Reggiano.