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Creamy Spinach Meatball Pasta

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Creamy Spinach Meatball Pasta combines juicy meatballs, a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, tender pasta, and fresh spinach into a hearty, comforting one-pan meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (for meatballs)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (for sauce)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup thawed frozen spinach)
  • 12 oz cooked pasta (penne or rigatoni preferred)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs until browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and milk. Simmer gently, then add Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth.
  5. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted (or warmed through if using frozen).
  6. Return meatballs to skillet. Add cooked pasta and stir to coat with sauce. Simmer 3–5 minutes.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and cracked pepper.

Notes

  • Use plant-based meatballs for a vegetarian version.
  • Frozen spinach should be thawed and squeezed dry before use.
  • Add red pepper flakes for heat or herbs like basil and oregano for extra flavor.
  • Bake meatballs at 400°F for a lighter option.
  • Reheat with a splash of milk to maintain sauce creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta, spinach meatballs, garlic parmesan pasta, weeknight dinner, one-pot meal, comfort food pasta

Find it online: https://yumcove.com/creamy-spinach-meatball-pasta/