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Creamy Meatball and Broccoli Pasta

Creamy Meatball and Broccoli Pasta
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Creamy Meatball and Broccoli Pasta is a comforting and satisfying dinner featuring tender pasta coated in a luscious creamy sauce, juicy seasoned meatballs, and crisp fresh broccoli. This dish combines rich, indulgent flavors with wholesome ingredients for a nourishing meal that’s perfect for cozy nights or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or blend)
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or 1 egg (binding agent)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)

Vegetables and Pasta

  • 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh
  • 12 oz pasta of choice (penne or rigatoni recommended)
  • 4 cups water (for boiling pasta and broccoli)

Creamy Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix the ground meat with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a binding agent such as breadcrumbs or an egg. Shape the mixture into uniform meatballs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs until golden on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water to soften slightly while retaining crunch. Drain pasta and broccoli and set aside.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet used for meatballs, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Pour in heavy cream and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
  4. Combine Everything: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently fold in the cooked meatballs, ensuring everything is well coated with the sauce and evenly mixed.
  5. Final Touches: Let the mixture simmer together for 2-3 minutes to marry flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, extra Parmesan, or cracked black pepper if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh broccoli to maintain vibrant color and slight crunch.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; aim for al dente texture.
  • Ensure meatballs are well browned for added flavor and texture.
  • Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatballs, creamy pasta, broccoli, comfort food, one-pot meal, family dinner

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/creamy-meatball-and-broccoli-pasta/