This Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—comforting, rich, and surprisingly fast to pull together. Juicy, tender meatballs simmered in a silky, garlic-kissed cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti… it’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but takes less than 40 minutes to make from start to finish. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself after a long day, this one’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: No need to spend hours in the kitchen. This is a full, satisfying meal that comes together in well under an hour—ideal for weeknights.
Creamy Comfort Food: That luscious cream sauce clings to every strand of pasta and wraps around the meatballs, creating bite after bite of pure comfort.
Family Friendly: Kids love meatballs. Adults love creamy pasta. This checks all the boxes, with flavors that make everyone happy.
Versatile: This recipe is easy to adapt based on what you’ve got in your kitchen. Don’t have heavy cream? No problem. Vegetarian? There’s a workaround for that too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe (Quick & Easy)

Here’s what goes into making this creamy spaghetti and meatballs magic:

Spaghetti: The base of the dish—use regular or whole wheat spaghetti, or even swap with fettuccine or linguine if that’s what you have.
Ground beef: The star of the meatballs—flavorful and hearty. Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and gives them a tender bite.
Parmesan cheese: Mixed into the meatballs and sprinkled over the finished dish for a nutty, salty punch.
Garlic: Essential in both the meatballs and the sauce. Don’t skimp—it’s what gives the cream sauce depth.
Onion: Finely chopped and added to the meatball mixture for sweetness and moisture.
Egg: Holds the meatball mixture together.
Heavy cream: The foundation of the creamy sauce—rich, smooth, and luxurious.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Thins out the sauce slightly and adds savory balance.
Butter: Adds extra richness to the sauce and helps with sautéing the garlic.
Italian seasoning: For a burst of herby goodness in the meatballs and sauce.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing the dish—season to taste throughout.
Fresh parsley or basil: Optional but highly recommended for garnish and freshness.

Variations

Looking to mix it up? Here are some delicious tweaks to try:

Spicy Cream Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the cream for a little kick.
Cheesy Twist: Stir in some shredded mozzarella or Gruyère for an extra cheesy, melty finish.
Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based meatballs or roasted mushrooms instead of traditional meatballs.
Pasta Swap: Try it with penne, rigatoni, or even spiralized zucchini for a low-carb twist.

How to Make Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Roll into small meatballs.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside. Don’t worry if they’re not cooked through—they’ll finish in the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package instructions in salted water. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Pour in broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Simmer Meatballs in the Sauce

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and juicy. Stir occasionally to coat them in the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated. Finish with more parmesan and fresh herbs.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture: Overmixing can lead to dense, tough meatballs. Mix just until everything is combined.
Brown the Meatballs Well: Getting that golden crust adds tons of flavor to the final dish.
Reserve Some Pasta Water: If your sauce gets too thick, a splash of pasta water can help loosen it without watering down the flavor.
Let the Sauce Simmer Slowly: This develops flavor and helps everything meld together beautifully.

How to Serve

This creamy spaghetti and meatballs dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but here are some lovely pairings:

Garnishes

Top with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and a few torn basil leaves or chopped parsley.

Side Dishes

Pair with a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables. A slice of garlic bread or warm baguette makes it feel like a restaurant-quality meal.

Beverage Pairings

A glass of red wine like Chianti or a sparkling water with lemon fits beautifully here.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better overnight!

Freezing

Freeze meatballs separately if you want to meal prep. They reheat beautifully and can be added to the sauce and pasta fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can form the meatballs and refrigerate them a day in advance. They can also be frozen raw or cooked and used when needed.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich or velvety. Whole milk is the best substitute, but consider adding a touch of flour or parmesan to help thicken the sauce.

What’s the best way to keep the meatballs tender?
Don’t overcook them and make sure you include the egg and breadcrumbs. Those ingredients keep them moist and soft.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free spaghetti and swap regular breadcrumbs for a gluten-free variety or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs is that rare dish that feels special yet doesn’t demand a ton of effort. It’s comforting, customizable, and completely satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for yourself, this recipe brings big flavor with minimal fuss. So grab a fork and dive in—you’re going to love every creamy, saucy, savory bite.

Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe (Quick & Easy)