This Creamy Swedish Meatball Pasta Skillet is a comforting, one-pan dish that delivers all the beloved flavors of traditional Swedish meatballs in a convenient pasta format. Juicy meatballs, tender egg noodles, and a rich, savory cream sauce come together in a harmonious blend that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a satisfying weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines the heartiness of meatballs with the creamy indulgence of a classic Scandinavian-style gravy, making it both filling and flavorful. It’s a complete meal prepared in one skillet, cutting down on cleanup and making it a go-to for busy evenings. Whether you use frozen or homemade meatballs, the result is always delicious. Plus, the creamy sauce clings perfectly to the egg noodles, making each bite irresistible.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb frozen or homemade meatballs (beef or turkey)
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
- Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
- Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet and stir to coat them in the sauce. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss gently to coat evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4–6 people. Total time to prepare is around 35–40 minutes, including prep and cooking.
Variations
- Cheese Lover’s Version: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Gruyère for extra richness.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute meatballs with plant-based meatballs and use vegetable broth.
- Lighter Sauce: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for added depth and texture.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish is not ideal for freezing, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing and reheating.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, homemade meatballs work wonderfully. Just ensure they’re fully cooked before adding to the sauce.
Can I substitute the egg noodles?
Yes, you can use other pasta types such as fettuccine, rotini, or even mashed potatoes for a more traditional base.
Is there a dairy-free version of this dish?
You can use a plant-based cream alternative and dairy-free butter to make the dish dairy-free.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer uncovered or add a small cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
What’s the best type of meatball to use?
Beef or turkey meatballs both work well. Choose based on your preference for flavor and richness.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat gently before serving. For best texture, store the noodles and sauce separately.
How do I keep the noodles from overcooking?
Cook the noodles just until al dente and add them at the end to avoid over-softening.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta, flour, and verify the meatballs and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.
What herbs go well with this dish?
Parsley is classic, but thyme or dill also pair nicely with the creamy sauce and meatballs.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Its mild, creamy flavor and familiar ingredients make it appealing to children.
Conclusion
Creamy Swedish Meatball Pasta Skillet is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together the savory depth of Swedish meatballs and the satisfying warmth of a creamy noodle dish. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and endlessly adaptable to your preferences. With its hearty flavor and comforting texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your weekly meal rotation.
Print
Creamy Swedish Meatball Pasta Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Swedish-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This one-pan comfort classic combines juicy meatballs and tender egg noodles in a rich, creamy gravy-style sauce—an easy, hearty, and soul-warming dish that brings all the flavors of Swedish meatballs with a pasta twist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen or homemade meatballs (beef or turkey)
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Sauté onions until soft, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Sprinkle in flour, whisk and cook for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in beef broth, followed by heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Add meatballs and cooked noodles to the skillet. Stir to coat evenly with sauce. Cook until meatballs are heated through, about 8–10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Substitute sour cream for heavy cream for a tangier sauce.
- Use turkey meatballs for a lighter version.
- Make it ahead and reheat gently for easy meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
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