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Introduction:
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Pasta with meatballs in a creamy sauce combines the savory flavors of perfectly seasoned meatballs with a rich and luscious sauce. This dish is comforting, hearty, and easy to make, making it ideal for family dinners or special occasions. The pasta soaks up the creamy sauce, while the meatballs add protein and flavor, creating a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (such as rigatoni, penne, or any short pasta)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Additional Parmesan for topping
Instructions:
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Form the mixture into small meatballs.
- Cook the meatballs: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the pasta: While the meatballs are cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet used for the meatballs, add the butter and sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the cream and broth: Pour in the heavy cream and broth, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add the Parmesan and season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta, meatballs, and sauce: Add the cooked pasta and meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the pasta and meatballs to serving bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Conclusion:
This pasta with creamy meatballs is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy sauce envelops each pasta piece and meatball, creating a satisfying meal that’s hard to resist. Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan for a touch of freshness and serve with a side of garlic bread for an extra indulgent experience. Enjoy this delicious twist on a classic Italian-inspired dinner!
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