Hey there, foodies! If you’re looking for a quick, tasty, and filling meal, you’re going to love this creamy meatball pasta recipe. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want something delicious but don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen. The best part? It’s packed with protein, and you can have it ready in just 20 minutes. Trust me, it’s the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist. Let’s dive in!
Method
1. Cook the Pasta
To start, place your pasta into a large saucepan of boiling water. Add a pinch of salt for flavor, and let it cook for about 10 minutes or until al dente, meaning it should still have a little bite to it. While the pasta is cooking, this is a great time to prepare the rest of the dish. Remember to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking. Once the pasta is cooked to perfection, drain it, saving a little bit of the pasta water for later it’ll help with the sauce later on!
2. Fry the Onions and Meatballs
Next, grab a separate frying pan and spray a bit of olive oil over it. Heat the pan on medium, then toss in your sliced red onion. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and slightly golden. This will bring out their natural sweetness and create a delicious base for the sauce. Once the onions are softened, add the turkey meatballs to the pan. Cook them thoroughly, turning them frequently to ensure they brown on all sides and are cooked through. This should take around 7-8 minutes.
3. Add Flavor
Once your meatballs are fully cooked, it’s time to boost the flavor! Add in the garlic, sundried tomatoes, and mixed herbs, and give everything a good stir to combine. Add a little bit of the pasta water to the pan at this point to create a light sauce that coats the meatballs and onions. Stir everything well, making sure the garlic is evenly distributed throughout. You’ll start to notice the wonderful aromas coming together, and the sauce will begin to thicken as it absorbs the pasta water.
4. Mix in the Creamy Goodness
Now for the best part the creamy texture that will take this dish to the next level! Stir in the light cottage cheese and cream cheese. These ingredients will melt into the sauce, making it super creamy and rich. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll see the sauce thicken and become beautifully smooth. If the sauce gets too thick, you can always add a bit more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Combine and Serve
Once the sauce is creamy and velvety, it’s time to combine everything. Add your drained pasta into the frying pan and toss it all together, making sure each piece of pasta is coated in the delicious sauce. For an extra burst of flavor and nutrients, feel free to add in some fresh spinach. Stir the spinach into the sauce and pasta, allowing it to wilt and blend in. Once everything is combined and well-mixed, it’s time to serve up your creamy meatball pasta! Divide it into three generous servings and enjoy!
Necessary Tools
- Large saucepan for boiling pasta
- Frying pan for meatballs and onions
- Stirring spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons for herbs and garlic
- Serving dish
Creamy Meatball Pasta Recipe A Simple and Delicious Meal in 20 Minutes
Cuisine: Italian, AmericanDifficulty: Easy3
servings10
minutes10
minutes20
minutesIngredients
300g pasta
Spray of olive oil
1 red onion, sliced
12 turkey meatballs
1 tsp garlic
100g sundried tomatoes
1 tbsp mixed herbs
Salt and pepper to taste
1 veg (or chicken) stock cube
90g light cottage cheese
50g lightest cream cheese
Directions
- Cook the pasta First, get your pasta on to boil in a large saucepan. It should take around 10 minutes, so while it’s cooking, we can prep the rest of the dish!
- Fry the onions and meatballs In a separate frying pan, spray a bit of olive oil and toss in your sliced onion. Let it cook until it’s soft and golden. Then, add your turkey meatballs and cook them through until they’re fully done.
- Add flavor Once the meatballs are cooked, stir in the garlic, sundried tomatoes, mixed herbs, salt, pepper, and a little bit of pasta water. This will help create a lovely sauce that coats everything perfectly.
- Mix in the creamy goodness Stir in the light cottage cheese and cream cheese, then leave it to simmer for a couple of minutes. The creaminess will start to thicken up, and that’s when the magic happens!
- Combine and serve Add your cooked pasta to the frying pan along with some spinach (if you want extra nutrients). Stir everything together until well combined, then serve up and enjoy your creamy pasta creation!
Notes
- Watch the pasta Keep an eye on your pasta while it’s boiling. Overcooking can turn it mushy, and we want it to have the perfect bite.
- Don’t overcook the meatballs Make sure the meatballs are cooked through but not overcooked. Overcooked meatballs can become tough and dry, so keep the heat at medium and flip them occasionally for even cooking.
- Adjust the creaminess If you prefer your sauce a little thicker or thinner, feel free to adjust the amount of pasta water or cream cheese. A little extra cream cheese will make it extra creamy!
Serving Suggestions
This creamy meatball pasta is perfect on its own, but if you want to take it up a notch, here are a few ideas
- Serve it with a side of garlic bread for a classic combo.
- Add a fresh salad with a zesty vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the pasta.
- You can also sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for that extra cheesy goodness!
Fun Fact
Did you know that meatballs have been around for centuries? They are thought to have originated from Italy, but variations of meatballs are found in many cultures across the world! From Swedish meatballs to Chinese meatballs, it seems like everyone loves a good meatball.
Conclusion
And there you have it – a super simple, high-protein creamy meatball pasta that will leave you feeling full and satisfied in no time. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to become one of your favorites. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor – perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the hassle. Enjoy!
