You’re going to have fun if you enjoy robust Swedish meatballs and creamy, flavourful pasta dishes. Tossed with your preferred pasta, Swedish Meatball Pasta blends the best of both worlds—soft, seasoned meatballs covered in a rich, creamy sauce. This is ideal for hectic week evenings or when you want a warm, filling dinner the whole family will appreciate.
Not only is it fantastic, but it’s also simple to make, which makes it a great choice for all kinds of cooks. Let’s look at how you might make this crowd-pleasing meal in your own kitchen.
What distinguishes Swedish Meatballs Pasta?
Inspired by the traditional Swedish meatballs presented in a creamy sauce sometimes accompanied by lingonberry jam, Swedish Meatball Pasta is While classic recipes combine the meatballs with mashed potatoes or rice, this pasta variation offers an Italian twist that increases the adaptability and appeal of the meal.
The savoury meatballs have their unique taste from nutmeg and allspice; the creamy sauce ties everything together exquisitely. Add well cooked pasta to create a meal that is both decadent and comforting.
Ingredients
Get these basic but tasty ingredients to create Swedish Meatball Pasta:
About the Meatballs
- Ground pork and beef; ½ pound each (or substitute one type if preferred).
- Half a cup of breadcrumbs
- Egg: 1 large Onion: 1 small, finely minced
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
- Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon
- Allspice: ¼ teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
For the Sauce
- Butter: 3 tablespoons
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons
- Beef Broth: 2 cups
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon
- Soy Sauce: 1 teaspoon (for depth of flavor)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- For the Pasta Pasta: 12 ounces (penne, fettuccine, or egg noodles work well)
- Parsley: Chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, minced onion, garlic, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form the mixture into small, evenly-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Heat a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil. Cook the meatballs in batches, rotating regularly, until browned on all sides and cooked through (approximately 6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- While the meatballs are cooking, bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the meatballs, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and fry for 1–2 minutes until gently golden.
- Gradually add the beef broth, stirring continually to prevent lumps.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Reintroduce the meatballs into the skillet, sauced on top. To combine the tastes, simmer for two to three minutes.
- Spoon the cooked pasta into the skillet such that every piece is covered in sauce. Add the reserved pasta water a bit at a time until desired consistency is obtained if the sauce seems overly thick.
Step five: present and garnish.
- Spoon the Swedish Meatballs Pasta onto a platter.
- For a burst of freshness and colour, toss with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy right away after serving!
Tips for Success
- Keep the meatballs from being over merixed. They might get harsh and dense from overmixing. Just mix until the components come together.
- Fresh nutmeg can be used: Freshly ground nutmeg brings Swedish meatballs to life.
- Change the Sauce. The sauce should be creamy without overly thick consistency. Thin it out if necessary using saved pasta water or extra broth.
- Made ahead, the meatballs and the sauce may be warmed with the spaghetti for a fast dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Combining creamy, savoury, and somewhat spicy tastes in every bite, Swedish Meatballs Pasta is the perfect comfort food. This is a recipe that seems sophisticated enough for a big occasion but basic enough for a laid-back evening meal.
Try this dish to see why both pasta aficionados and families adore it. It will surely start to show up regularly in your supper schedule!
