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Creamy Parmesan Meatballs with Fettuccine

Tender, juicy meatballs in a rich parmesan cream sauce served over fettuccine pasta, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 720

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 1 pound ground beef 80% lean
  • 0.5 pound ground pork
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup milk
  • 0.5 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 2 eggs large
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for searing
Creamy Parmesan Sauce
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 cup pasta cooking water reserved
Pasta
  • 1 pound fettuccine pasta
  • salt for pasta water
  • fresh parsley for garnish
  • extra parmesan cheese for serving

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Large Pot (for pasta)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk, stirring until absorbed. Let sit for 5 minutes to create a panade.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Form meat mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter (approximately 18-20 meatballs). Place on a plate as you work.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear meatballs in batches until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  5. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente, 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  6. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  8. Reduce heat to low and gradually add parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Italian seasoning.
  9. Return seared meatballs to skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low for 10-12 minutes until meatballs reach internal temperature of 160°F.
  10. Add drained fettuccine to skillet and toss gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese.
  12. Serve immediately while hot with crusty bread on the side.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded. Meatballs can be formed ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce.