Introduction
Picture this: tender, juicy meatballs in a rich, creamy sauce, all nestled together with perfectly cooked pasta. That’s exactly what Swedish Meatball Pasta brings to the table—comfort food at its finest. If you’ve ever loved Swedish meatballs, then imagine that iconic, savory flavor in a pasta dish that’s as cozy as a warm hug.
The meatballs are seasoned just right, and the creamy sauce is smooth and dreamy. Add some pasta to the mix, and you’ve got a dish that’s not only easy to make but totally satisfying. Whether it’s a family dinner or just a weeknight meal that’s bound to impress, this one is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Trust me, this dish is a game-changer. If you love classic comfort food with a twist, you’re going to be hooked.
Why You’ll Love Swedish Meatball Pasta
Creamy & Comforting: The creamy sauce combined with hearty meatballs is the ultimate cozy food. Every bite is just pure comfort.
Flavorful Meatballs: These meatballs are packed with flavor—seasoned perfectly and cooked until juicy, you’ll be wishing there were more!
Quick & Easy: It’s a simple recipe with minimal prep that delivers maximum flavor. You won’t spend hours in the kitchen, but the result feels like you’ve been cooking all day.
Kid-Approved: It’s a dish the whole family will love. Even picky eaters won’t be able to resist those tender meatballs and creamy sauce.
Customizable: You can make it your own by adding extra veggies or swapping out the pasta for your favorite kind. Want to make it spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes!
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Ingredients
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Ingredients in Swedish Meatball Pasta
Ground Beef or Pork (or a mix of both): The base of the meatballs, giving them a rich, juicy flavor.
Breadcrumbs and Egg: Help bind the meatballs and keep them tender.
Milk: Adds moisture to the meatballs and helps create that creamy sauce.
Seasonings (Garlic, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper): The perfect seasoning combo that gives the meatballs that irresistible savory flavor.
Pasta: A hearty pasta like egg noodles or penne works best to hold all that creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
Beef Broth: Adds depth and flavor to the sauce, complementing the meatballs perfectly.
Butter and Flour: For thickening the sauce and giving it that velvety texture.
Fresh Parsley (Optional): For a little pop of color and freshness to finish.
Instructions
Ready to dive into this creamy, savory goodness? Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
In a bowl, combine the ground beef (or pork), breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is just combined (don’t overwork the meat). Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in size.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning them carefully until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 7-8 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Let it cook for about a minute until golden, then slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Add the heavy cream and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Combine Meatballs, Sauce, and Pasta
Add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet with the creamy sauce and let them simmer for a few minutes to absorb all the flavors. Then, toss in the cooked pasta and stir gently to coat everything in that velvety sauce.
Step 6: Serve & Garnish
Serve the Swedish Meatball Pasta warm, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a little color and flavor. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Swedish Meatball Pasta
With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly with this rich and creamy dish.
Crusty Bread: Serve with some crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
Roasted Veggies: Roasted carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add a nice balance to the meal.
Extra Parmesan: Sprinkle with a little freshly grated parmesan for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
Additional Tips
Make Ahead: You can make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
Add Veggies: If you want to sneak in some veggies, sauté mushrooms or spinach and toss them into the sauce with the meatballs.
Adjust the Creaminess: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or even swap in some milk for a less rich sauce.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef or pork?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and gives you a lighter version of the meatballs.
Q2: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A2: Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure your pasta and broth are gluten-free.
Q3: Can I freeze Swedish Meatball Pasta?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the meatballs and sauce separately. Just store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat and cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Q4: What’s the best way to reheat this?
A4: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little more cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Q5: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A5: Definitely! Penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti works great in this dish.
Conclusion
Swedish Meatball Pasta is comfort food at its finest—rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. The tender meatballs, silky sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta make this a dish that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. It’s easy to make, and even easier to love. So, go ahead, treat yourself to this creamy, savory delight—you deserve it!
Print
Swedish Meatball Pasta
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Swedish Meatball Pasta combines tender, juicy meatballs in a creamy, rich Swedish-style sauce served over pasta. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. The creamy sauce with a hint of nutmeg and allspice makes it uniquely delicious.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (such as egg noodles, penne, or rigatoni)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan, egg, chopped onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to make a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the flour is lightly golden.
- Slowly whisk in the beef broth, making sure to eliminate any lumps. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens.
- Combine the Meatballs and Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and stir to coat. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until well-coated. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if preferred.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little more flour to the roux or let the sauce simmer longer.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad.
- For a little extra flavor, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg