One-Pot Creamy Meatball Pasta

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 400 g (14 oz) ground beef
• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tsp salt

For the Pasta

• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup (200 ml) cooking cream (heavy cream or single cream)
• 1 tsp dried mint
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 300 g (10 oz) shell pasta or any short pasta
• Hot water (enough to cover the pasta)
• Chopped parsley or dried parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, vegetable oil, water, cumin, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix well until fully combined.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a walnut.
3. Heat a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides.
4. Add the tomato paste and minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Stir in the dried mint, salt, and red pepper flakes.
6. Add the uncooked pasta directly to the pan.
7. Pour in the cooking cream, then add enough hot water to just cover the pasta.
8. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley or dried parsley and serve hot.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

35 minutes

Servings

4 servings