Marvelous Lemon Spaghetti with Savory Meatballs

This delectable dish combines the zesty freshness of lemon with the hearty satisfaction of savory meatballs. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this meal is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. The lemony spaghetti offers a light and vibrant counterpoint to the rich and flavorful meatballs, making for a balanced and delicious dining experience.

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

For the Lemon Spaghetti:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Zest of 2 lemons
– Juice of 2 lemons
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
2. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Remove meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

2. Cook the Spaghetti:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Lemon Sauce:
1. In the same skillet used for the meatballs, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add the lemon zest and juice to the skillet, stirring to combine.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine and Serve:
1. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the lemon sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
2. Serve the lemon spaghetti topped with the savory meatballs.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

This Marvelous Lemon Spaghetti with Savory Meatballs is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Enjoy your meal!