– 1 pound ground beef or turkey
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped parsley
– 1 large egg
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 12 ounces spaghetti
– Additional Parmesan cheese for serving
– Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Creating Creamy Spaghetti & Meatballs is simple if you follow these easy steps:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.
3. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until cooked through and browned.
5. Cook Spaghetti: While the meatballs are baking, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Make Creamy Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine heavy cream and marinara sauce. Stir until heated through and slightly thickened.
7. Combine: Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and stir gently to coat. Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce until evenly coated.