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This homemade Swedish Meatball Pasta is an easy recipe and the ultimate one-pot comfort food, combining tender, flavorful meatballs with a creamy, rich sauce and perfectly cooked pasta shells. This quick and easy recipe is a dreamy dinner solution that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This dish takes the beloved flavors of Swedish meatballs and pairs them with pasta for a complete meal in one pot. The warm spices of nutmeg and allspice elevate the flavor, while the creamy sauce clings to the pasta for a luxurious bite every time. It's comforting, hearty, and packed with flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Ingredients for Swedish Meatball Pasta
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1/4 teaspoon each: nutmeg, allspice
- For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 1 pound medium shell pasta
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs
- Combine breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl, let sit for 5 minutes. Add ground meats, egg, diced onion, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs in batches, 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Start the Sauce
- In the same pot, melt butter. Add any remaining diced onion and cook until softened. Pour in beef broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
- Cook the Pasta
- Add pasta shells to the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Create the Cream Sauce
- When pasta is almost tender, stir in heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce begins to thicken.
- Finish the Dish
- Return meatballs to the pot. Simmer for 5 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and pasta is al dente. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Final Touches
- Let rest for 5 minutes to allow sauce to thicken. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Pair Swedish Meatball Pasta with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. Consider sides like kale and quinoa salad, green beans, or roasted broccoli to complement the dish's richness.
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Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce. Be gentle to avoid breaking the pasta.
Freezing Tips
If freezing, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note that the texture of the pasta may soften slightly upon thawing, but the flavors will remain delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- You can store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days. While freezing is possible for 1-2 months, the pasta texture may become softer when thawed.
- → Why grate the onion for meatballs?
- Grating the onion ensures it incorporates better into the meatballs and releases more flavor. It also prevents large chunks of onion that could cause the meatballs to fall apart.
- → What makes these meatballs Swedish style?
- The addition of nutmeg and allspice gives these meatballs their distinctive Swedish flavor. The creamy sauce with Dijon mustard is also characteristic of Swedish meatballs.
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
- Yes, you can use different pasta shapes, but stick to similar-sized pasta to ensure even cooking. Adjust cooking time based on the package instructions.
- → What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
- Reheat in the microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring between, or on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of broth if needed to maintain the creamy sauce.