Swedish Meatball Pasta

The moment I hear the words Swedish Meatball Pasta, I’m transported back to cozy family dinners. There’s something irresistibly comforting about a dish that combines the rich flavors of tender meatballs enveloped in a creamy sauce, all served over al dente pasta. It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone around the table, eager to enjoy a warm bowl of goodness. I remember the first time I made this dish; I was experimenting in the kitchen on a cold winter evening. The aroma of sautéing onions and beef filled my home, weaving through the halls and inviting my family to gather. We sat together, laughter and stories flowing as freely as the delicious meal I had prepared.

With its easy-to-follow steps, Swedish Meatball Pasta quickly became a staple. It’s the kind of meal that feels decadent but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Each bite is a perfect balance of savory and creamy, making it a hit for both adults and kids alike. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a gathering, this dish never fails to impress. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit different tastes, inviting you to make it your own.

As we dive into the ingredients and preparation, I can’t help but feel excited to share this recipe with you. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a celebration on a plate, perfect for any occasion. So roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking!

What You’ll Need for Swedish Meatball Pasta

Gathering the right ingredients is fundamental to creating a fantastic Swedish Meatball Pasta. Each component plays an essential role, contributing unique flavors and textures that come together beautifully. The key players here include the ground beef, which forms the heart of the meatballs, and the creamy sauce that binds everything in a luscious embrace.

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (I used Panko) – These breadcrumbs provide the perfect binding for the meatballs, ensuring they hold together while adding a bit of crunch.
• 1 medium onion (grated or minced) – Onions add sweetness and depth, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
• ¼ cup milk – A splash of milk makes the meatballs moist and tender, offering a comforting texture.
• 1 pound ground beef – The star of the show, this beef creates juicy meatballs that are flavorful and satisfying.
• 1 egg – Acts as a binder, helping to hold the meatballs together while keeping them tender.
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg – A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth and depth to the meatballs, making them uniquely flavorful.
• ¼ teaspoon allspice – This spice provides a slightly sweet and aromatic flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste) – Essential for bringing out the flavor of all the ingredients.
• ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste) – Adds a touch of heat and balance to the dish.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Used for frying the meatballs, delivering crispiness and flavor.
• 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium) – This broth forms the base of the sauce, infusing the dish with rich flavor.
• 1 cup heavy cream – The cream creates a luscious sauce, making every bite feel indulgent.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds a savory depth to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.
• 2 teaspoons dijon mustard – Provides a subtle tang that balances the richness of the dish.
• ½ teaspoon salt – A little more salt for the sauce, ensuring it’s well-seasoned.
• ¼ teaspoon pepper – Adjusting the seasoning for the creamy sauce.
• 3 cups pasta (dry, about 8 oz) – The pasta serves as the perfect vessel for the meatballs and sauce.
• ½ cup parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, creamy finish to the dish.
• 2 tablespoons parsley (freshly chopped) – For garnish, this adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Making Swedish Meatball Pasta

Creating Swedish Meatball Pasta is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with enticing aromas. Follow these steps to make a dish that will impress everyone at your table. Let’s get started on this delightful journey!

1. Form the meatballs: Add all the meatball ingredients, including breadcrumbs, onion, milk, ground beef, egg, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and pepper, to a large bowl. Mix well until everything is combined. Use your hands to form small meatballs, about 2 tablespoons of the mixture each. I find it helpful to use a small scoop to ensure uniform size for even cooking.

2. Sear the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large braiser over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches if necessary, browning them on all sides. Cook until they have a nice golden crust, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Carefully transfer the meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

3. Mix the sauce: In the same skillet, add chicken broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well, bringing the mixture to a bubble over medium heat. This step is important as it creates a deeply flavored sauce.

4. Cook the noodles & finish: Add the pasta to the bubbling sauce. Stir often as the noodles cook, ensuring they absorb the delicious flavors. It should take about 10 to 12 minutes, depending on your pasta choice. Once the noodles are cooked through, mix in the parmesan cheese and the seared meatballs. Taste for seasoning, adjusting as necessary. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley.

Best Served With

When it comes to enjoying Swedish Meatball Pasta, pairing it with the right accompaniments enhances the experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions:

• Garlic Bread: A classic companion that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Side Salad: A light, refreshing salad can balance the richness of the dish. Consider a simple green salad with a vinaigrette.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans add color and nutritional value, making the meal even more wholesome.
• Wine Pairing: A light, crisp white wine can elevate the flavors of this dish, offering a nice contrast to the savory meatballs.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: This dish is great for weekly dinners, special occasions, or even holiday gatherings, showcasing its versatility.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They’ll last in the fridge for three to four days, and you can reheat them easily!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Swedish Meatball Pasta is truly a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it’s no wonder it becomes a favorite among family and friends. I encourage you to try making this delightful meal yourself; it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Gather your loved ones, share a bowl, and enjoy the cozy moments it creates!

Swedish Meatball Pasta

The ultimate comfort food, Swedish Meatball Pasta is creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners, this dish combines tender meatballs with pasta in a rich sauce that will have you craving for more. Make it tonight for a delicious meal the whole family will love!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Swedish

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (I used Panko)
• 1 medium onion (grated or minced)
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large egg
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoon dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups pasta (dry, about 8 oz)
• ½ cup parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoon parsley (freshly chopped)

Equipment

• Le Creuset 3.75-Quart Braiser

Method

 

1. Form the meatballs: Add all the meatball ingredients, including breadcrumbs, onion, milk, ground beef, egg, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and pepper, to a large bowl. Mix well until everything is combined. Use your hands to form small meatballs, about 2 tablespoons of the mixture each. I find it helpful to use a small scoop to ensure uniform size for even cooking.
2. Sear the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large braiser over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches if necessary, browning them on all sides. Cook until they have a nice golden crust, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Carefully transfer the meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. Mix the sauce: In the same skillet, add chicken broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well, bringing the mixture to a bubble over medium heat. This step is important as it creates a deeply flavored sauce.
4. Cook the noodles & finish: Add the pasta to the bubbling sauce. Stir often as the noodles cook, ensuring they absorb the delicious flavors. It should take about 10 to 12 minutes, depending on your pasta choice. Once the noodles are cooked through, mix in the parmesan cheese and the seared meatballs. Taste for seasoning, adjusting as necessary. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley.

Notes

• Storage: Transfer your leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for three to four days. They’ll reheat best in the microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
• Freezing: While it’s not ideal to freeze cooked pasta, you definitely can if you don’t mind a softer texture once the pasta thaws back out. This dish will last one to two months frozen.
• Thawing: Let the pasta thaw slowly overnight in the fridge before reheating. Be very careful when reheating to avoid breaking the pasta.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs or spices in the meatballs for a unique twist!

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Meet Diana Foster

I appreciate the beauty of a well-made meal, but I also value simplicity. I’m always looking for that perfect balance of big flavor and low stress. I developed this recipe to be reliable, tasty, and perfect for your daily rotation.