Swedish Meatball Pasta combines the flavors of traditional Swedish meatballs with creamy pasta, creating a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe features tender meatballs seasoned with nutmeg and allspice, nestled in a creamy sauce infused with Worcestershire and Dijon mustard. Whether served for a family dinner or a cozy gathering, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 1 medium onion, grated or minced
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 egg
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon pepper, or to taste
For the Pasta:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth, low sodium
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 3 cups dry pasta (about 8 oz), such as egg noodles or fusilli
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons parsley, freshly chopped
Instructions
Making the Meatballs:
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
- Add grated or minced onion, ground beef, egg, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form and Cook the Meatballs:
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer cooked meatballs to a plate and set aside.
Making the Pasta:
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet used for meatballs, add chicken broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add Pasta and Simmer:
- Stir in dry pasta and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
- Combine Meatballs and Pasta:
- Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the pasta. Stir gently to combine and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Finish and Serve:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Notes
- Meatball Size: Ensure meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Sauce Thickness: Adjust the amount of heavy cream for a thicker or thinner sauce consistency.
- Pasta Type: Choose your favorite pasta shape, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
Tips for Serving
- Garnish: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and parsley on top for added flavor and presentation.
- Side Dish: Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complement the meal.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Variations
Vegetarian Option
Replace ground beef with plant-based meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Gluten-Free Option
Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats, and use gluten-free pasta.
Nutritional Benefits
Protein-Rich Meal
This dish provides a good source of protein from the ground beef and Parmesan cheese, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
Calcium and Vitamin D
Parmesan cheese offers calcium and vitamin D, important for bone health and immune function.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Can I freeze Swedish Meatball Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
2. Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch?
Yes, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs for convenience. Simply thaw them before adding to the pasta and sauce.
3. How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten the dish, use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese used.
Swedish Meatball Pasta offers a delicious blend of flavors and textures, making it a versatile and comforting choice for any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting guests, this dish is sure to impress with its creamy sauce and savory meatballs. Enjoy the fusion of Swedish and Italian cuisines in one delightful plate and savor the warmth and flavor it brings to your table.
Indulge in the comfort of Swedish Meatball Pasta and share this recipe with loved ones to create memorable dining experiences. Bon appétit!
