Creamy Lemon Spaghetti with Savory Meatballs

There’s something irresistible about a bowl of spaghetti swirled in a luscious cream sauce. This recipe takes that classic comfort to the next level with tender, seasoned meatballs and a bright, peppery lemon finish. The combination of savory beef, velvety sauce, and a kick of Tuscan heat creates a dish that’s both familiar and exciting.

Perfect for a busy weeknight, this meal comes together quickly using simple ingredients. The meatballs are pan-seared until golden, then simmered in a creamy sauce infused with scallions, garlic, and lemon. Serve over al dente spaghetti for a satisfying dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Ingredients

1 unit Chicken Stock ConcentrateView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Cream Sauce BaseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LemonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 clove GarlicView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit KetchupView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

20 ounce Ground BeefView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 cup Panko BreadcrumbsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit ScallionsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Tuscan Heat SpiceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 ounce SpaghettiView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. While pasta cooks, in a large bowl combine ground beef, panko, Tuscan Heat Spice, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently and form into 1-inch meatballs.
3. Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add sliced scallions (white and light green parts) and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in cream sauce base, chicken stock concentrate, ketchup, and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits.
6. Return meatballs to the skillet. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and sauce thickens slightly.
7. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed for a creamy consistency.
8. Squeeze lemon juice over the top and garnish with sliced scallion greens. Serve immediately.

Useful Cookware

A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.

Large pot

IMUSA 16 Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid - Large Cooking Pot for Soups, Stews, Pasta, Seafood Boiling and Family Meals - Riveted Handles for Easy TransportView on AmazonCAROTE 8QT Full Clad Tri Ply Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid, Kitchen Soup Pot, All Stoves Compatible, Oven & Dishwasher Safe, Stay Cool Handle, White, Mothers Day GiftsView on AmazonKirecoo Stainless Steel Stock Pot - 8 Quart Heavy Duty Induction Cooking Pot with Visible Lid for Pasta, Soup, Spaghetti, Nonstick Thick Bottom Big Stockpot, Deep Cookware for Canning, Boiling, SimmerView on Amazon

Large skillet

SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 5 Qt Non Stick Saute Pan with Cover, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFOS FreeView on AmazonFarberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker/Saute Pan with Helper Handle -Aluminum, 6 Quart, BlueView on AmazonTramontina Professional 14-Inch Non Stick Extra Large Frying Pan, Heavy-Gauge Aluminum Skillet with Reinforced Nonstick Coating, Red Handle, Dishwasher and Oven SafeView on Amazon

Large bowl

Winco , 8-Quart, Stainless Steel (MXB-800Q)View on AmazonFox Run Brands 2.75-Quart Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl, 9 x 9 x 4 inches, MetallicView on AmazonMfacoy 2 Pack Salad Bowl, 8 inch 60 oz Large Serving Bowl Set, Deep Bowl for Kitchen, White Ceramic Bowl Set for Soup, Cereal, Ramen, Pasta, Salad, Dishwasher & Microwave Safe, Easy CleanView on Amazon

Colander

EXCELSTEEL Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Colander 5 Qt | Easy Grip Handles | Self-Draining Base | Mirror Polished | Dishwasher Safe | Pack of 1View on AmazonOXO Good Grips 3 QT Plastic ColanderView on AmazonU.S. Kitchen Supply Stainless Steel Colander Strainer - 6-Quart Collapsible Colander with Expandable Rubber Handles - Rectangular Sieve, Fine Mesh Stainless Steel Strainers and Colanders for KitchenView on Amazon

Knife

Legal Pocket Knife with 2.95” Serrated Blade, Glass Breaker, Seat Belt Cutter - EDC Sharp Folding Knives with Portable Clip - Small Tool for Tactical Camping Survival Hiking - Gifts for Men 6680View on AmazonSmith & Wesson Accessories Extreme Ops SWA24S 7.1in S.S. Folding Knife with 3.1in Serrated Clip Point Blade and Aluminum Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDCView on AmazonAmazon Basics Classic 8-inch Full Tang High Carbon Stainless Steel Chef's Knife, Multipurpose Kitchen Knife with Three Rivets, SilverView on Amazon

Cutting board

Astercook Deep-Carbonized Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen with Wood Storage Stand, Reversible Charcuterie & Chopping Boards with Juice Grooves and Easy-Grip Handles, Fathers Day Gift for MenView on AmazonZeawec 3-Piece Set Bamboo Cutting Board for Kitchen - Crack-Resistant Wood Chopping Boards with Deep Juice Grooves, Pre-Oiled Butcher Block for Meat, Vegetables & Cheese, CarbonizedView on AmazonTitanium Cutting Board for Kitchen, Cutting Board Double Sided Food Grade, Pure Titanium/PP, Easy to Clean Large Size 15”×10.3”View on Amazon

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well. Cook until no longer pink and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What can I substitute for Tuscan Heat Spice?

Mix 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water.