Creamy Spinach Meatballs

🍝 Creamy Spinach Meatballs (Mediterranean Style)

✨ Description

Tender, juicy meatballs are simmered in a light Mediterranean-style creamy spinach sauce made with olive oil, garlic, and herbs—then tossed with pasta for a satisfying yet balanced meal. Creamy, savory, and full of greens, this dish feels indulgent but uses simple, wholesome ingredients.

🧺 Ingredients (Serves 4)

Meatballs

• 1 lb (450 g) ground meat (beef, chicken, or turkey)

• 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped

• 1 egg

• ⅓ cup breadcrumbs or oat crumbs

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

Creamy Spinach Sauce

• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 small onion or shallot, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups fresh spinach

• ¾ cup cooking cream or half-and-half

• ¼ cup milk or reserved pasta water

• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan or crumbled feta

Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine)

🔥 Instructions

1. Cook the pasta
   Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the meatballs
   In a bowl, mix ground meat, spinach, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
   Shape into small meatballs.

3. Brown the meatballs
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Cook meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. Prepare the sauce
   In the same skillet, add olive oil and onion. Sauté until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly.

5. Add spinach & cream
   Stir in spinach until wilted. Add cream, milk (or pasta water), nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently.

6. Combine everything
   Return meatballs to the sauce and simmer 3–4 minutes.
   Add cooked pasta and toss to coat.

7. Finish & serve
   Sprinkle with cheese and serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil.

🌿 Mediterranean Tips

• Use olive oil instead of butter

• Keep the sauce gently simmering—never boiling

• Fresh herbs like parsley or basil make it brighter

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cream?
A: Yes! Use full-fat Greek yogurt and stir it in off the heat.

Q: What meat works best?
A: Beef for richness, chicken or turkey for a lighter version.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes—store meatballs and sauce separately up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Freeze meatballs and sauce without pasta for best texture.

Q: What can I serve on the side?
A: A tomato–olive salad or roasted vegetables works perfectly.