If you’re craving comfort food that’s rich, hearty, and ridiculously easy to whip up, this Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs is calling your name. It takes all the classic coziness of spaghetti and meatballs and levels it up with a luscious, creamy sauce that hugs every strand of pasta. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or those nights when you just want something irresistibly good without a whole lot of work.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: All pantry staples, but when combined, they create something totally crave-worthy.
Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in about 30-40 minutes — ideal for those “What’s for dinner?” evenings.
Creamy Twist on a Classic: The creamy sauce brings a velvety texture that’s downright indulgent and sets this apart from your average spaghetti night.
Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Kids love the meatballs, adults love the flavor — everyone wins.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe (Quick & Easy)

Here’s what you need to make this dreamy dish — and why each one matters:

Spaghetti: The classic choice, perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce.
Ground beef: Juicy and tender, forms the base of the meatballs. Go for 80/20 for the best flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and gives them a satisfying texture.
Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and richness to the meatballs and sauce.
Egg: Acts as a binder for the meatballs so they hold together.
Garlic: Freshly minced for bold, aromatic flavor.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce and meatballs.
Heavy cream: The star of the sauce — makes everything velvety and rich.
Tomato paste: Gives the sauce a subtle tang and color without overpowering.
Chicken or beef broth: Thins out the sauce slightly and enhances the savory depth.
Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to elevate the overall flavor.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing everything together.
Olive oil: For sautéing and locking in flavor.

Variations

Want to switch it up? Try these easy swaps and customizations:

Meat Swap: Use ground turkey, pork, or a plant-based ground alternative.
Pasta Variety: Try fettuccine, linguine, or even penne if that’s what’s in the pantry.
Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in shredded mozzarella or dollop some ricotta for extra richness.
Veggie Boost: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrients.
Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce turns up the heat.

How to Make Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, minced garlic, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Roll into small meatballs and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Meatballs

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear the meatballs until browned on all sides. They don’t need to be cooked through — just golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Start the Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté diced onion and a bit more garlic until soft. Add tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 4: Add Cream and Broth

Pour in heavy cream and broth, stirring to combine. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Return Meatballs to the Sauce

Add the browned meatballs back into the sauce. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, boil your spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked spaghetti into the creamy sauce with the meatballs. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Garnish with more parmesan and fresh herbs, and serve hot.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture: Mix until just combined for tender, juicy meatballs.
Brown First, Simmer Later: Searing adds flavor, and simmering finishes the cooking gently.
Save the Pasta Water: A little splash can bring the whole sauce together and prevent it from getting too thick.
Use Fresh Parmesan: It melts better and adds a nuttier, more complex flavor than pre-grated versions.

How to Serve

This dish is a meal on its own, but here’s how to make it even better:

Garnishes:

Fresh basil or parsley
A shower of grated parmesan
Cracked black pepper

Sides:

Garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls
A crisp green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette
Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus

Drinks:

A glass of red wine, like Chianti or Merlot
Sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing non-alcoholic option

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time — it’s even better the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze the meatballs and sauce (without the pasta) for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and add freshly cooked pasta before serving.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

FAQs

Can I use jarred marinara instead of tomato paste and broth?
Yes, if you’re in a pinch, a good-quality marinara sauce can work. Just reduce the cream slightly to balance the thickness and flavor.

What’s the best type of cream to use for the sauce?
Heavy cream is ideal for its richness, but half-and-half can work if you prefer a lighter version. Avoid milk — it may curdle and won’t be as creamy.

How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
Make sure to include enough breadcrumbs and egg, and don’t over-handle the mixture. Chilling them for 10-15 minutes before cooking also helps.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs. Double-check all packaged ingredients for hidden gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs is everything comfort food should be — creamy, savory, satisfying, and simple enough for any night of the week. Once you try this velvety twist on the classic, don’t be surprised if it becomes part of your regular dinner rotation. Give it a go and enjoy every dreamy bite!

Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe (Quick & Easy)