Creamy Spinach Meatball Pasta is the ultimate one-skillet comfort food, combining tender meatballs, fresh spinach, and a velvety cream sauce, all tossed with pasta. This hearty dish is packed with flavor and is the perfect meal for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Skillet Wonder: Everything is made in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Creamy & Comforting: The creamy sauce, combined with savory meatballs and spinach, creates a luscious dish that is both satisfying and flavorful.
- Customizable: You can swap ground beef for turkey or even use gluten-free pasta to meet your dietary preferences.
- Quick and Easy: In just 40 minutes, you’ll have a complete meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekends.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan (for sauce)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Directions
1. Make the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
2. Brown the Meatballs:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Spinach:
- Add the spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted (about 3 minutes).
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Pour in the heavy cream and broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavors.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Combine the Meatballs and Pasta:
- Add the meatballs back into the skillet, followed by the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta and meatballs are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Serve the pasta warm, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or basil.
Servings and Timing
Yield: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Notes
- For Leaner Protein: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Add Spice: For a kick, sprinkle in red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Lighter Sauce: Swap half-and-half or Greek yogurt for the heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Alternative Cooking Method: Bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying them for a hands-off approach.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the meatballs with a plant-based meat alternative or make veggie meatballs from lentils or chickpeas.
- Add More Veggies: Include bell peppers, zucchini, or peas for extra vegetables in the dish.
- Cheese Variations: Use mozzarella or ricotta for a different cheese flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy.
FAQs
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat them in the sauce when ready to serve.
Can I use non-dairy cream?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat it in the oven or stovetop, adding extra broth if needed.
Conclusion
Creamy Spinach Meatball Pasta is the perfect meal when you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and full of flavor. With tender meatballs, fresh spinach, and a luscious cream sauce, this one-skillet dish is sure to be a hit at your table. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend dinner.
Print
Creamy Spinach Meatball Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
Creamy Spinach Meatball Pasta is a delicious and comforting one-skillet dish featuring savory meatballs, fresh spinach, and a velvety cream sauce, all tossed with pasta. This easy recipe is packed with flavor and can be made in just 40 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The combination of tender meatballs, creamy sauce, and hearty spinach is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
½ cup breadcrumbs
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Spinach Sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion (finely chopped)
3 cups baby spinach
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
½ cup grated Parmesan (for sauce)
12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Spinach:
- Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Pour in the heavy cream and broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan to incorporate the flavors.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine the Meatballs and Pasta:
- Add the meatballs back into the skillet, followed by the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta and meatballs are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve warm.
Notes
- For Leaner Protein: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Add Spice: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicier kick.
- Lighter Sauce: Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Swap out pasta and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives to make the dish gluten-free.
- Alternative Cooking Method: For a hands-off approach, bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying them.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
