Creamy Tomato Meatball Pasta

Creamy Tomato Meatball Pasta is a comforting and indulgent dish that brings together tender meatballs, al dente pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce. It’s a perfect meal for cozy nights, family dinners, or anytime you crave something hearty and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe blends savory meatballs with a velvety tomato-based sauce and pasta for a complete and fulfilling dish. It’s simple to make yet feels luxurious and special. The creamy tomato sauce balances tanginess with richness, and the meatballs are juicy and flavorful, making it a family favorite.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef or mixed beef and pork
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Garlic (minced)
• Onion (finely chopped)
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

For the sauce:

• Tomato paste or crushed tomatoes
• Heavy cream or half-and-half
• Garlic (minced)
• Butter or olive oil
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (grated)

For the pasta:

• Your choice of pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, etc.)
• Salt for boiling water

directions

1. Prepare meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined and form into meatballs.
2. Cook meatballs: Heat olive oil in a pan and sear meatballs until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: In the same pan, add butter and garlic, then tomato paste or crushed tomatoes. Simmer, then stir in cream. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Combine: Return meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5–10 minutes.
5. Cook pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and reserve a little pasta water.
6. Toss and serve: Combine pasta with the sauce and meatballs. Add reserved pasta water if needed. Sprinkle with parmesan and herbs. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4–6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Cheese-stuffed Meatballs: Insert a cube of mozzarella into each meatball before cooking.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the tomato sauce.
• Turkey or Chicken: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian: Substitute with plant-based meatballs and vegetable broth in the sauce.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze meatballs and sauce separately from pasta for best results, up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or cream.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Yes, you can use frozen or pre-made meatballs to save time.

What type of cream works best?

Heavy cream gives the richest texture, but half-and-half works for a lighter sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, both sauce and meatballs can be prepared in advance and stored separately.

What pasta shape is best?

Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well, but any pasta works.

Can I add vegetables?

Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers are excellent additions to this dish.

Is it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer longer or add a small spoon of tomato paste or grated parmesan.

What can I use instead of tomato paste?

Crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce can be used with adjusted seasoning.

How spicy is this recipe?

It’s mild by default, but you can increase spice with chili flakes.

Conclusion

Creamy Tomato Meatball Pasta is a classic dish that brings comfort, richness, and heartiness to your table. Whether you serve it for a special gathering or a simple weekday dinner, it’s sure to impress with its deep flavors and satisfying textures.

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